Spotlight on Adebobola Omowon: A Peace Strategist Leading the Charge Against Insecurity

By Tolulope Oke

Amid Nigeria’s persistent struggles with banditry, ethnic militias, and social unrest, a select group of dedicated peacebuilders has risen to prominence, offering pragmatic solutions where policy often falls short. At the forefront stands Adebobola Omowon, whose decades-long commitment to conflict resolution has not only mediated crises but redefined how Nigeria approaches peace from the ground up.
Omowon’s influence was vividly on display during Wide Gate Initiatives’ 2021 International Seminar Series, “Rebuilding Nigeria in the Eye of the Storm,” which he conceptualized and led from August to September. Spanning five sessions, the series convened experts from academia, government, and security sectors to dissect Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. But it was Omowon’s strategic vision that made it a landmark event, blending local insights with global perspectives to foster actionable dialogue.
Take the opening session on the 2020 End SARS protests, moderated by Omowon, which featured discussions led by Dr. Olalekan Babatunde of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, emphasizing the role of youth activism in institutional reform. “I’ve seen firsthand how unaddressed grievances explode,” Omowon shared in his keynote, drawing from his mediation experiences. His ability to connect historical contexts—such as the Civil War’s lingering scars—with contemporary issues set the tone for the series.

Subsequent sessions highlighted Omowon’s expertise in multi-track diplomacy. Professor Olakunle Olawunmi, a former military intelligence officer, delved into the rise of non-state actors under Omowon’s guidance, proposing community-based solutions that Omowon has long advocated. Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi and Barrister Dele Farotimi contributed on legal and civic fronts, but it was Omowon’s synthesis—urging integrated approaches involving grassroots, media, and religious leaders—that resonated most.

The series culminated with Professor Kew from the Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development (CPDD), a collaboration Omowon forged to infuse international strategies into Nigerian contexts. Attendees, including diplomats and civil society leaders, hailed Omowon’s facilitation for its depth. “He’s not just a speaker; he’s a bridge-builder,” noted one participant. Feedback demanded more such forums, underscoring Omowon’s ability to spark sustained national conversation.

What elevates Omowon among his peers is his proven track record. Since founding Wide Gate Initiatives, he’s trained thousands in peace education, from secondary students to university lecturers, embedding conflict resolution into everyday life. His 2018 mediation in Ibadan’s Foko community slashed violence by over 60 percent, a model replicated statewide. As a certified and trained mediator, Omowon has presented at international conferences, adapting frameworks such as trauma-informed teaching to Nigeria’s unique ethnic and political landscape.

In an era of rising insecurity—fueled by unemployment and marginalization—Omowon’s work stands as a testament to proactive peacebuilding. “True security comes from empowered communities, not just arms,” he asserts. While others like Dr. Babatunde and Professor Olawunmi contribute vitally, Omowon’s hands-on leadership, from seminars to on-the-ground interventions, positions him as Nigeria’s indispensable peace strategist. As the nation looks ahead, his efforts offer a roadmap for unity amid the storm.