Director General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Comrade Issa Aremu
By Issa Aremu
Monday, May 25, 2026, marked Africa Day (AD). The annual observance commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union). The manifestation celebrates Pan-Africanism, cultural identity, and the continent’s progress. This year’s observance assumes historic importance. It marks the 63rd anniversary of the OAU (1963–2026). The African Union (AU) celebrates AD with the theme: “Sixty three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, let’s celebrate together”!
Against the backdrop of the clarion call by the African Union that Africans should celebrate together, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin; the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos; and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES Nigeria), the German foundation promoting the values of social democracy with respect to social justice, democracy and peace, jointly organized a collaborative policy dialogue on Thursday, 21 May, on the theme: “Rising Global Conflicts, Severe Economic Shocks on the Decent Work Agenda in Africa”.
It cannot be overstated that the world today witnesses conflicts of varying proportions. Avoidable. Unacceptable. Globally, there are an estimated over 130 active armed conflicts.
