, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and other key stakeholders..){kind=link}
Voice of Nigeria (VON), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and other key stakeholders, will convene policymakers, diplomats, media practitioners, and development experts at the VON Forum 2026.
The forum will examine Nigeria’s enduring contributions to democratic governance and regional stability in West Africa.
With the theme “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” the forum is expected to provide a strategic platform for reflection on Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States and its sustained efforts in promoting peace, security, and constitutional order across the sub-region.
The high-level event is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 a.m, local time.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris is the Chief Host, while the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndace is the host.
The Chairman of the Occasion is former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, while the Special Guest of Honour is the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin.
Organisers say “the forum will explore Nigeria’s historical and contemporary roles in sustaining democratic institutions within ECOWAS member states, including peacekeeping operations, mediation in political crises, and the promotion of good governance.”
Discussions will also address emerging threats to democracy in the region, including unconstitutional changes of government, political instability, misinformation, and the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions and civic engagement.
As Nigeria marks over five decades of active engagement in ECOWAS, the forum will provide an opportunity to assess policy outcomes, share experiences, and chart a forward-looking agenda for strengthening democratic resilience across West Africa.
A major highlight of the forum will be discussions on the role of the media and regulatory institutions in promoting accountability, ethical standards, and responsible information dissemination in an evolving digital landscape.
Partner organisations for the forum are; the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC).
The VON Forum 2026 is expected to generate actionable recommendations that will reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and support ongoing efforts to consolidate democracy, peace, and stability across the region.