By Gloria Ikibah
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is set to take centre stage at a major international gathering in Abuja, where he will be honoured for his contributions to democracy and global peace.
The former President confirmed his participation in the Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference, scheduled for 20 May 2026 at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the event, he will receive the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) International Award for Statesmanship and Global Peace. 
The conference is organised by the DICAN in collaboration with the Centre for Communications, Development, and Diplomacy in Africa, and will focus on the growing threat of information warfare under the theme, “Information Warfare (FIMI): Strengthening Global Security, Trade, and Investment Through Collaborative Truth: Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media.”
The former President’s acceptance of the award is said to be influenced by confidence in the credibility of the platform, with the recognition highlighting his long-standing role in promoting democratic values across Africa.
He is also expected to address participants on global peace and security, particularly in relation to the rising challenge of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and the spread of disinformation.
Chairman of DICAN, Idehai Frederick, underscored the significance of Jonathan’s presence at the summit.
“President Goodluck Jonathan’s acceptance of this award and his decision to address the assembly underscores the immense credibility of this platform.
“His enduring legacy as a champion of Nigeria, African and global democracy makes him the definitive voice to speak on safeguarding global peace against the tide of disinformation,” he said.
The high-level conference is expected to attract more than 100 diplomatic missions, alongside senior government officials, security and intelligence agencies, corporate leaders, United Nations bodies and civil society organisations.
Among those expected are Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and envoys from the United States, China, Spain and the European Union.
The DICAN Chairman also called on participants to approach the discussions with urgency, given the implications of information warfare on global systems.
“Information warfare is a direct threat to global stability, trade, and democratic institutions.
“We urge all stakeholders to do absolute justice to this the theme. We must emerge from the conference with a unified, collaborative strategy for the ultimate good of the world,” he added.
The conference will also serve as the launch platform for a global campaign targeting fake news, disinformation and FIMI, with key institutional contributions expected from prominent figures including Ndudi Elumelu, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria, and Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
The event will round off with an awards ceremony recognising individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to national development, including Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace.
