THE ASSOCIATION OF FOREIGN RELATION PROFESSIONALS OF NIGERIA (AFRPN) HOLDS 8TH ANNUAL LECTURE IN ABUJA
 The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) on Wednesday, 5 February 2026, held its 8th Annual Lecture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to informed policy dialogue on democratic governance and Africa’s evolving role in global affairs. The event, which attracted serving and retired diplomats, senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, academics, traditional authorities, and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on strengthening intellectual engagement around governance, diplomacy, and institutional reform.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, who buttressed the Ministry’s continued support for professional diplomacy, capacity building, and policy-oriented discourse. The lecture was chaired by Amb. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, Chairman, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In his opening remarks, Professor Gambari emphasized the need for long-term perspectives in foreign policy and democratic governance, noting that the sustainability of democracy depends largely on credible institutions, ethical leadership, and the consistent delivery of socio-economic dividends to citizens. The theme of the lecture, “The Challenges of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation,” examined contemporary democratic pressures on the African continent, including governance deficits, unconstitutional changes of government, declining public trust, youth exclusion, and the imperative of translating democratic processes into tangible socio-economic dividends.
While delivering the lecture, the Guest Speaker, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, underscored democracy as a system of shared values anchored on popular sovereignty, the rule of law, accountability, participation, and justice. He highlighted emerging mega trends shaping democratic governance, including youth demographics, digital technology, climate change, gender inclusion, and geopolitical realignments, while reaffirming the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
The Royal Father of the Day, HRH, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, PhD, CON, Sarkin Kano, delivered reflections stressing the importance of professional diplomacy, institutional memory, merit-based appointments, and continuous training within the Foreign Service. He also formally launched the AFRPN Compendium of Great Lectures, in furtherance of knowledge preservation and policy reference.
The interactive session featured constructive interventions from senior diplomats and participants on issues such as constitutional manipulation, tenure elongation, democratic accountability, and the balance between strong institutions and principled leadership.
The 8th Annual Lecture once again underscored AFRPN’s role as a credible platform for bridging professional experience, policy discourse, and strategic thinking in support of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and Africa’s democratic consolidation.