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The football world has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who reportedly died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train. According to multiple international media reports, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Austria, where Manninger’s vehicle was hit in a devastating collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Manninger, a former Austrian international, enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, featuring for top clubs including Arsenal and Juventus. He was part of the Arsenal squad under Arsène Wenger during the late 1990s, contributing to the club’s domestic successes and earning admiration for his composure and professionalism. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with former teammates, clubs, and fans expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss. Wenger, who managed Manninger during his time in Nort...
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Wole Oke Stresses Unity, Sustainability at High-Level Briefing on Regional Partnership for Democracy




Honourable Oluwole Oke, a Nigerian lawmaker

representing Obokun/Oriade federal Constituency, delivered a compelling address at the High-Level Briefing on the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), held during the Stakeholder Engagement Roundtable with West African Member States in Abuja.



Speaking as a special guest, Hon. Oke expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all key stakeholders for organizing the timely session focused on reinforcing democratic principles and regional cooperation in West Africa.



In his remarks, Hon. Oke underscored the global uncertainties currently confronting governance, socio-economic stability, peace, and security. He emphasized that unity and collaboration remain the most effective responses to such challenges. “One lesson learnt from the 20th century is that the world is better when we bond together and cooperate,” he said.

Referencing the African proverb “unity is strength,” Hon. Oke urged the continent to embrace platforms like RPD to institutionalize collective progress. He recalled earlier continental frameworks like the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and stressed the need for RPD not to “lose steam or fall through the cracks.”


The event featured several high-profile speakers and technical contributors, beginning with Opening Remarks by Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, who highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in advancing democratic norms across the region.

This was followed by an Opening Address by Amb. Yusuf M. Tuggar (OON), Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, who emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in fostering regional dialogue and democratic engagement.

Also delivering a keynote was Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, who reaffirmed the legislative arm’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s leadership in continental democratic reforms.

A detailed presentation on the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) programme followed, featuring insights from:

Professor Kamil Kamaludeen, renowned governance expert,

Mr. Dapo Oyewole, policy strategist and international development advisor,

and Hon. Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi, a prominent civic engagement advocate.


Their contributions focused on practical frameworks for enhancing regional cooperation, peer learning, and institutional resilience in West Africa’s democratic journey.

The session concluded with Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks by Varsha Redkar-Palepu, Deputy Resident Representative - Programme, UNDP Nigeria. She commended all participants for their valuable insights and reaffirmed UNDP’s dedication to supporting democratic initiatives across the subregion.

The high-level roundtable reinforced the value of strategic partnerships in safeguarding democracy, promoting regional cohesion, and sustaining peace through inclusive and transparent governance mechanisms.

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