Vice President of Infrastructure, Special Duties, Partnerships and Industrial Relations of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, Arch. Felix Arome, has urged Africans to embrace discipline, unity and positive value systems as key steps toward tackling insecurity and social challenges across the continent.
Arome made the appeal during the Africa Day 2026 celebration in Abuja, where he emphasised that Africa’s progress depends on responsible leadership, strong community values and mutual understanding among citizens.
He cautioned against judging people based on stereotypes and societal narratives, stressing that understanding individuals’ backgrounds was essential for promoting peace and cooperation.
According to him, meaningful partnerships and engagement among Africans remain necessary for fostering unity and cultural understanding across the continent.
Reflecting on a recent visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Arome said he was impressed by the level of discipline and orderliness displayed by residents despite economic hardship and fuel shortages.
He noted that commuters queued peacefully for public transportation without unrest, describing the experience as a demonstration that Africans could achieve greater societal order and development.
The Pan-African official linked rising insecurity and violent crimes to poor value orientation and negative social conditioning, warning that intolerance and violence often stem from early social influences.
He urged parents and elders to lead by example, particularly in obeying traffic regulations and demonstrating responsible behaviour, noting that children often imitate adults.
Arome also called for increased dialogue and engagement among African communities, especially between Nigerians and South Africans, saying constructive conversations would help reduce divisions and strengthen peace across the continent.