The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) on Friday organised a Press Briefing and Stakeholder Engagement in Abuja as part of activities leading to its 8th Annual Conference, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at the Rotunda, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.

The briefing, held at the AFRPN Secretariat, was convened to formally brief the media and key stakeholders on the objectives, theme, and strategic significance of the forthcoming conference. It attracted senior serving and retired diplomats, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of television, print, electronic, and online media organisations.

Addressing the press, the Chairman and President of AFRPN, Ambassador Dr. Gani Lawal, underscored the Association’s mandate as a professional platform for advancing informed discourse on Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s international relations. He noted that AFRPN continues to contribute through policy dialogue, intellectual engagement, mentorship, and research-driven interventions.

Ambassador Lawal announced that the 2026 Annual Conference will be held under the theme:

“The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation.”

He described the theme as timely, given recent democratic reversals, governance challenges, and security pressures across parts of Africa, particularly the Sahel region. The conference, he said, is designed to provide a platform for experienced practitioners to critically examine these developments and explore practical pathways for democratic consolidation on the continent.

The Association further announced Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, as Guest Lecturer for the conference, while the Chairman of the occasion will be Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Patron of the Association.

The briefing disclosed that the conference will be attended by high-level dignitaries, 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 as hosts, former Ministers, Ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of strategic institutions, and serving and retired members of AFRPN.

AFRPN reaffirmed that effective foreign policy is intrinsically linked to sound domestic governance, economic resilience, and informed strategic thinking. The Association reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to democratic norms in Africa, opposition to unconstitutional changes of government, regional integration, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.

The press briefing concluded with a call on the media to support informed public engagement by providing comprehensive coverage of the forthcoming conference and its deliberations.