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AFRPN HOLDS PRESS BRIEFING AHEAD OF 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
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Caroline Ameh / 5 days
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- 2 min read
The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) on Friday held a press briefing in Abuja, setting the stage for its 8th Annual Conference on Democratic Governance in Africa, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at the Rotunda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House. The event, hosted at the AFRPN Secretariat, brought together senior serving and retired diplomats, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, and representatives of print, broadcast, electronic, and online media. The briefing aimed to outline the objectives, theme, and significance of the upcoming conference to the public and key stakeholders. AFRPN Chairman and President, Ambassador Dr. Gani Lawal, emphasized the Association’s role as a professional platform for fostering informed discourse on Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s international relations. “Through research, policy dialogue, mentorship, and intellectual engagement, AFRPN continues to shape critical discussions that influence national and continental policy,” he said. Ambassador Lawal announced that the 2026 conference will be held under the theme: “The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation.” He described the theme as timely, given recent democratic setbacks, governance challenges, and rising security concerns across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. The conference is designed to provide a platform for practitioners to analyze these trends and identify practical strategies for consolidating democracy on the continent. The briefing also disclosed that African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, will serve as Guest Lecturer, while former Minister of Foreign Affairs and AFRPN Patron, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, will chair the conference. The event is expected to attract high-level dignitaries, including the Vice President of Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as hosts, alongside former ministers, ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of strategic institutions, and serving and retired AFRPN members. AFRPN reiterated that effective foreign policy is closely tied to strong domestic governance, economic resilience, and informed strategic thinking. The Association reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic norms in Africa, opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, promotion of regional integration, and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue. The press briefing concluded with a call on the media to provide comprehensive coverage of the conference, ensuring informed public engagement on Africa’s democratic governance challenges.