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.
