By Ameh Gabriel
ABUJA – Leadership development expert and Executive Director of Still Waters Foundation, Dr. Femi Lanre-Oke, has called on Nigerians to embrace sincere dialogue backed by concrete action as a lasting solution to the nation’s recurring conflicts.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Dr. Lanre-Oke noted that conflict is inevitable in any diverse society due to differences in cultural backgrounds, upbringing, perspectives, and interests.
“We are wired differently. We see things differently. That clash of difference is what results in conflict,” he said. “You cannot be always right. No matter how much you know, you cannot know it all, all the time. Address the issue, not the person.”
He stressed that resolving disputes requires humility, active listening, and focusing on issues rather than personalities. According to him, transformational leadership is essential for fostering positive change within organisations and, ultimately, across the nation.
Dr. Lanre-Oke also urged journalists to play a pivotal role in bridging divisions by presenting balanced perspectives and speaking truth to power.
“At the national level, conflict can arise when people feel cheated or neglected. The government may not even be aware of certain situations, but when journalists present the true picture, they can help restore balance,” he said.
On the rising tide of communal crises, the leadership coach advised the government to tackle underlying causes instead of applying temporary fixes.
“If you do not address the root, and you use external forces, you only calm it down temporarily it will come back again,” he warned.
He further encouraged leaders and citizens to make genuine commitments and follow through on promises.
“If there is a promise, there must be a commitment to it, and a fulfilment of that promise,” he stated. “If everybody cleans the front of their compound, the whole community will be clean. We can do better if we all take responsibility.”
