SPEECH BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, VOICE OF NIGERIA (VON)
MALLAM JIBRIN BABA NDACE, MNIPR AT THE VON FORUM 2026
Theme: 51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS
Date: Thursday, 9th April 2026
Venue: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja
Your Excellency, General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, Chairman of the Occasion and elder statesman whose leadership laid the foundation for Nigeria’s regional engagement;
Your Excellency, Senator Barau Jibrin, CFR, Deputy President of the Senate and Special Guest of Honour;
Our Chief Host, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr;
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu;
The Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers;
Distinguished Members of the National Assembly;
Excellencies, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Respected scholars, policy experts, and members of civil society;
Esteemed colleagues from the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the VON Forum 2026, convened under the timely and significant theme: “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS.”
Today’s gathering is not merely ceremonial. It is profoundly consequential.
Over the past five decades, the Economic Community of West African States has evolved into a critical platform for conflict resolution, democratic governance, and regional security, in line with the bold vision of its founding fathers for regional economic integration, collective self-reliance, and political cooperation.
Nigeria has remained central to this journey.
As a founding member and the region’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria has consistently played a defining role in shaping the direction and resilience of ECOWAS. From peacekeeping missions to diplomatic interventions, and from economic cooperation to institutional strengthening, our country has stood as a pillar of stability in West Africa.
Our interventions across the sub-region, including in Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo reflect not only our strategic interests but also our enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and regional solidarity.
Equally, Nigeria’s democratic trajectory offers important lessons. From periods of military rule to over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, our experience reflects both the resilience and complexities of democratic consolidation, lessons that resonate across the ECOWAS sub-region.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
We gather at a defining moment in the history of our sub-region.
Across West Africa, democratic ideals are being tested. We are witnessing democratic backsliding, unconstitutional changes of government, electoral tensions, governance deficits, and, in many instances, a troubling erosion of public trust in institutions.
These challenges are real. They are urgent. They are indeed urgent. They directly impact the lives, hopes, and aspirations of our people, particularly our youth. And that is why this Forum is therefore both necessary and timely.
Our gathering here aligns strongly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national cohesion, and advancing dialogue as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
It is equally aligned with the strategic direction of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation under the able leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr. By fostering informed public discourse and promoting civic responsibility, this Forum reinforces the Ministry’s mandate of effective communication and national orientation.
More importantly, this forum offers an opportunity to honour the legacy of our founding fathers, especially General Yakubu Gowon GCFR, the only surviving Head of State among the original signatories to ECOWAS. We also pay tribute to the diplomats, journalists, and members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and regional stability.
The VON Forum is envisioned as a credible platform for national and regional dialogue, bringing together stakeholders across government, academia, civil society, diplomacy, and the media to reflect and interrogate pressing issues and collectively shape solutions.
Today, we take that conversation a step further.
Beyond reflection, this Forum seeks to engage a new generation of Africans, to provide context, inspire ownership, and address the growing concerns around youth disenchantment with governance and democratic processes.
This year’s edition builds on the success of the maiden VON Forum in 2025, which focused on Citizens’ Engagement and National Security. That engagement underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing complex national challenges.
At the Voice of Nigeria, our work is guided by the philosophy of the 3Ps, People, Platform, and Partnerships, a framework that continues to shape our engagement and impact.
As Nigeria’s international public broadcaster, we carry a unique mandate. We are not merely conveyors of information. We are custodians of narratives. We project Nigeria’s voice to the world, amplify African perspectives, and facilitate meaningful dialogue on issues that define our collective future.
This Forum is a natural extension of that mandate.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
Permit me to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued commitment to peace, unity, and democratic stability within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Nigeria’s proactive role in regional diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the defence of constitutional governance reflects a clear understanding that our national strength is intrinsically linked to the stability of our region.
The emphasis on dialogue, partnership, and multilateral engagement represents a forward-looking vision. It prioritizes cooperation over isolation and peace over conflict.
A key highlight of today’s programme is the high-level panel discussion that will follow this opening session. We are privileged to host an array of distinguished experts and practitioners whose insights will deepen our understanding and help chart significant pathways for strengthening democratic governance in our region.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
The challenges before us are complex, but they are not insurmountable.
To deepen democratic stability in ECOWAS, we must collectively commit to:
Strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law;
Promoting credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes;
Enhancing accountability and good governance;
Empowering citizens, especially young people, to actively participate in democratic processes; and
Leveraging the media as a force for truth, transparency, and social cohesion.
In this regard, the media has a particularly critical role to play. In an era shaped by misinformation and rapid digital transformation, responsible journalism is more important than ever.
At the Voice of Nigeria, we remain steadfast in our commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and the public interest.
This Forum is not an end. It is a beginning.
A beginning of renewed conversations.
A beginning of stronger collaborations.
A beginning of actionable solutions that can shape the future of democracy in our region.
As we deliberate, let us be guided by a shared vision of a West Africa that is peaceful, democratic, and prosperous. A region where institutions are strong, governance is accountable, and citizens are empowered.
History will not judge us by the challenges we faced, but by the courage and clarity with which we respond.
Before I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, for his steadfast support and mentorship in advancing public communication in Nigeria.
I also extend my gratitude to the management and staff of the Voice of Nigeria, as well as our sister agencies, NTA, NAN, Nigerian Press Council, ARCON, NOA, NBC, and FRCN, for their collaboration, solidarity, and unwavering support.
On behalf of the management and staff of the Voice of Nigeria, I thank all our distinguished guests, partners, and stakeholders for honouring our invitation.
Your presence here today is a testament to our collective commitment to strengthening democracy and regional stability.
WELCOME TO VON FORUM 2026.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.