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AFRPN Sets Agenda for Africa’s Democratic Future Ahead of 8th Annual Conference
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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.
News
Gunmen abduct eight poly students in Ogun
Eight students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, have been reportedly abducted after suspected kidnappers attacked their residence in Ipara, Remi North Local Government Area of the state.
A student at the school, who spoke to Tribune Online on condition of anonymity, explained that the incident happened around 9 pm on Wednesday, with eight students abducted by the kidnappers.
Following the incident, the source disclosed that the school management has announced the cancellation of their computer-based and written examinations scheduled for today (Tuesday).
“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled.
“However, *tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned.* If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s exam, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.
“For now, all students are encouraged to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations. We are hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the notice sighted by Tribune Online reads.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed to Tribune Online that there were reports of abduction in the Ipara axis of the state.
While the PPRO did not confirm the number of people abducted, he disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police, especially men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit and other tactical teams, have been deployed to the area immediately.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic promised to get back to our correspondent on the incident. However, notice (Nigerian Tribune)
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Varsity don slams Alaafin over three-hour delay, lack of apology at event
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has come under heavy hammer from a Professor of English at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Omobewaji Dasylva, over his alleged three-hour delay to a programme and failure to apologise after arriving.
Dasylva, who teaches drama, poetry, African Literatures and Oral Literature/Folklore Studies at the University of Ibadan, described the monarch’s conduct as disrespectful and inconsistent with the values of the revered Yoruba royal institution.
The don made the remarks in an article, titled: “Of Mythography and Mythognosis: A Complementary Perspective on Yoruba Mythology and The Relevance, Today,” published on the Toyin Falola Network.
According to Dasylva, the article partly celebrated the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, held on July 14, 2026.
Before I go on, however, let me mention, in passing, but for the maturity and discipline demonstrated by both the organisers, and the very cultured invited guests, an extreme patience taken for granted by some leaders and cultural icons, the well organised inauguration event of a foremost Yoruba Cultural Institute could have been thoroughly messed up, courtesy of the usual ‘Nigerian thing’, widely referred to as ‘African time,’” he wrote.
Dasylva said the event was scheduled to begin at 9am, with dignitaries, including retired Bishop (Prince) Ladigbolu, already seated, while the programme indicated that the Alaafin was expected at 9:55am.
The university lecturer alleged that the monarch did not arrive until 12:20pm, forcing guests to wait for more than three hours.
“However, the event had to be kept on hold, courtesy of Alaafin Owoade, who arrived at the venue at 12:20pm.
“In other words, people, including yours truly, were kept waiting for over three hours before the event finally took off.
“Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered much had other important and peripheral activities including cultural dances, been allowed to fill up the gap pending the Alaafin’s arrival, but no.
“Everyone was kept waiting and wondering what could have taken the monarch that long to attend to a great honour bestowed on the revered Throne of the Alaafin and Ancestry.”
The professor said what disappointed him most was the absence of an apology from either the monarch or his representatives.
“Unfortunately, not a word of apology for the lateness of the Imperial Majesty and his entourage, either by his spokesperson or directly by His Imperial Majesty!
“But as a teacher of culture, a proud Yoruba, and an advocate of our rich African cultural heritage, I found that rather strange and incomprehensible.”
Dasylva argued that while such behaviour had become common among some politicians, it should not be associated with a foremost Yoruba monarch.
“I do know that many uncultured Nigerian politicians who have refused to outgrow their adult delinquency regularly do that a lot and take the people they are meant to serve for granted.
“However, may I say in all humility, it is least expected of a foremost Yoruba monarch, a significant institution that embodies Yoruba cultural values and the requisite discipline.
“To whom much is given much is required.
“Again, in all humility, I stand to be corrected.”
As at the time of filing this report, Oba Owoade, who is currently on vacation to Manitoba, Canada, where he resided before becoming Alaafin, could not be reached for comments on the professor’s condemnation.
News
Video: Six months from now Abuja residents can now link Lugbe from Nile varsity
In the next 6 months, Abuja residents can now link Lugbe from Nile University.
Construction of Collector Road CO1 from the Nile University area to Ring Road III (Lugbe) is now going on.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site to inspect the project, which was flagged off last month.
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