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By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa took center stage at the 2026 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum in Abuja, marking 51 years of the country’s contribution to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, the forum brought together policymakers, traditional rulers, scholars, and media professionals to reflect on Nigeria’s peacekeeping legacy, diplomatic influence, and commitment to democratic governance across the sub-region.
Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, alongside Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, led discussions on strengthening democratic institutions and regional cooperation.
In his address, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, stressed the urgent need to reinforce institutions and sustain peace across West Africa.
Unity and Collective Progress
The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, called for unity, peace, and collective progress among Nigerians and across the region.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions, government, the military, academia, and the media in promoting stability, noting that traditional rulers play a critical role in conflict resolution and fostering social cohesion at the grassroots level.
According to him, sustained unity remains essential for achieving meaningful development and long-term prosperity.
Emerging Threats to Democracy
While celebrating Nigeria’s achievements within ECOWAS, government officials warned that sustaining democracy in the region remains a continuous challenge.
Key concerns highlighted include political instability in member states, persistent security threats such as insurgency and cross-border crimes, and the growing need to embrace digital innovation for economic growth.
The Minister urged stronger collaboration between Nigeria and ECOWAS leadership, calling for innovative strategies to address these challenges and drive inclusive development.
Dialogue as a Path Forward
The forum was widely praised as a strategic platform for dialogue and policy engagement. Stakeholders expressed optimism that deliberations would produce actionable recommendations to strengthen democratic governance and regional stability.
“Together, we can build a region that is peaceful, prosperous, and firmly rooted in democratic values,” the Minister concluded.
