News
AFRPN Sets Agenda for Africa’s Democratic Future Ahead of 8th Annual Conference
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of its 8th Annual Conference on democratic governance in Africa, the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) has reiterated the commitment of the Association to providing a professional platform for robust engagement on Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s place in global affairs.
The Chairman and President of AFRPN, Ambassador Dr Gani Lawal, stated this while briefing the media and key stakeholders on the theme, objectives and broader significance of the conference scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026, in Abuja.
Lawal said: “AFRPN exists to promote informed discourse on foreign policy and international relations through policy dialogue, intellectual engagement, mentorship and research-driven interventions.
“We believe that thoughtful analysis and experience-based conversations are essential for shaping Africa’s response to contemporary global challenges.”
He disclosed that the 2026 conference will be held under the theme, “The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation,” describing it as both timely and urgent.
“This theme reflects the realities we are witnessing across the continent.
“Africa is facing democratic reversals, governance deficits and growing security pressures, particularly in parts of the Sahel. The conference is designed to allow experienced practitioners to critically interrogate these developments and identify practical pathways for democratic consolidation,” Lawal said.
AFRPN also revealed that the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, will deliver the Guest Lecture at the conference. The Chairman of the occasion will be Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Patron of the Association.
According to the Association, the conference is expected to draw high-level participation, including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour. The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will serve as hosts, alongside former ministers, ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of strategic institutions, and serving and retired members of AFRPN.
During the briefing, AFRPN reiterated its position that foreign policy effectiveness is closely tied to domestic governance, economic stability and strategic clarity.
“Sound foreign policy cannot be divorced from sound domestic governance.
“Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa must continue to be anchored on democratic norms, opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, regional integration and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation, he stated.
Ambassador Lawal therefore called on the media to play an active role in fostering informed public debate by providing thorough and balanced coverage of the conference and its outcomes, as AFRPN seeks to stimulate meaningful conversations on the future of democracy in Africa.
The media conference attracted a broad cross-section of participants, including serving and retired diplomats, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of television, print, electronic and online media organisations.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will sustain salary payments for up to 12 months to families of personnel who die in the line of duty.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, approved the welfare initiative as part of measures to strengthen support for families of fallen personnel.
A credible NAF source who pleaded anonymity disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the policy, which provided a special extension of salary payments to the spouses or next of kin of NAF personnel killed in action, would help cushion the impact of their loss.
He explained that, in line with existing public service rules, salary payments normally cease upon the death of a personnel member.
According to him, the new initiative will see salaries of personnel killed in the line of duty continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits are fully processed and paid, whichever comes first.
The official said the initiative was designed to prevent financial hardship for bereaved families during the period of administrative processing of death benefits.
He added that the CAS had also approved additional welfare packages for officers, airmen and airwomen of the service.
“These measures are aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic pressures and reinforcing the NAF’s commitment to the wellbeing of its personnel.
“These initiatives are also part of a broader welfare reform agenda anchored on the understanding that the wellbeing of personnel and their families is a strategic enabler of combat effectiveness.
“Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained or unmotivated,” he said.
The source further said that the initiatives reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes, support the families they left behind and sustain a motivated and mission-ready force.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to distribute rice across all states of the federation in support of citizens observing the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.
The initiative is intended to strengthen national unity and demonstrate compassion during a period that holds deep spiritual significance for both Muslims and Christians.
A statement issued by the Director-General, Renewed Hope Ambassadors and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma explained that “under the directive, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will coordinate the distribution through their nationwide grassroots network to ensure that families across Nigeria benefit from the intervention during this holy season when both Muslims and Christians are fasting.”
According to the statement: “It is worth noting that a similar intervention was carried out during the last Christmas season, when rice was also distributed to support Nigerians celebrating the festive period.
“This continued effort reflects the administration’s consistent commitment to standing with citizens during important religious and cultural seasons.
“Both Christian and Muslim communities will receive rice as part of the nationwide distribution effort, reflecting the President’s commitment to inclusivity, solidarity, and shared national values.”
Commenting on the initiative, Governor Uzodimma said the programme underscored the President’s belief in supporting citizens during this period of fasting while strengthening interfaith harmony.
He said: “This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to unity and compassion. Ramadan and Lent are seasons that remind us of sacrifice, charity, and care for one another. Through this distribution, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure that families across Nigeria feel the spirit of togetherness during this sacred period.”
The statement concluded by saying that the distribution will be carried out across nationwide through the state, local government, and ward structures of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to ensure broad reach and transparency.
The Police Command in Osun says it has arrested two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) in connection with a shooting incident that left a driver dead in Osogbo.
This was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday.
Ojelabi explained that the two officers of the NCS were arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at Dada Estate Area, Osogbo, on Sunday.
“The suspects were reportedly chasing suspected tokunbo (foreign-used) vehicles when the incident occurred.
“Meanwhile, the driver of the said ash-coloured Toyota Corolla, one of the vehicles being chased by the Customs officers, was shot and confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital,” he said.
The command’s spokesperson said that the corpse of the yet-to-be-identified victim had been deposited in a morgue.
Ojelabi said several items were recovered from the scene, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expanded 9mm shell.
Other items recovered were a white Toyota Corolla with Lagos registration number AAA 400 GQ, and an ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that can aid the investigation.
Troops Bust Terrorists’ Tax Collection Scheme in Yobe
NAF approves 12 months salary payment for families of fallen personnel
Tinubu directs nationwide distribution of rice for Ramadan, Lent
-
News22 hours ago2027: Gov of Bauchi reportedly planning to abandon PDP for APC this week
-
News20 hours agoMidnight fire engulfs Jos main market destroying ten shops
-
News22 hours agoUK-bound 74-year-old grandad arrested at Abuja airport with 11kg cocaine in balloons+Photos
-
News22 hours agoWatch how NDLEA operatives politely educate grandpa nabbed with cocaine (Video)
-
News21 hours agoNPA wins Champions Newspaper’s “Outstanding Agency of the Year Award 2025”
-
News6 hours agoUK releases programme for President Tinubu’s State visit
-
News21 hours agoJournalists are professionals deserving Respect- IGP Disu
-
News5 hours agoPope Leo decries ‘atrocious violence’ in Iran war, urges ceasefire