The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) on Friday held a high-profile press briefing and stakeholder engagement in Abuja ahead of its 8th Annual Conference, scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Rotunda, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House.
The briefing, hosted at the AFRPN Secretariat, brought together senior serving and retired diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from print, broadcast, and online media to discuss the objectives and strategic significance of the upcoming conference.
Addressing journalists, AFRPN Chairman and President, Ambassador Dr. Gani Lawal, highlighted the Association’s role as a professional platform for advancing informed discourse on Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s international relations. “Through policy dialogue, mentorship, research-driven interventions, and intellectual engagement, AFRPN continues to shape strategic thinking on Africa’s democratic and governance challenges,” he said.
The 2026 Annual Conference will be held under the theme: “The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation.” Ambassador Lawal emphasized the theme’s relevance amid democratic reversals, governance crises, and security pressures, particularly in the Sahel region.
Among the key highlights of the conference, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, will deliver the Guest Lecture, while Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Patron of AFRPN, will serve as Chairman of the occasion.
The briefing also revealed that high-level dignitaries, including the Vice President of Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, former ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, and heads of strategic institutions will attend the conference.
AFRPN reiterated that effective foreign policy is closely linked to sound domestic governance, economic resilience, and strategic thinking. The Association reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic norms in Africa, opposition to unconstitutional government changes, regional integration, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
The press briefing concluded with a call on the media to support informed public engagement by covering the conference and its deliberations comprehensively.
