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11 Days to Go: Countdown Begins for Osun Youth in Governance Conference 2026

 Oriontimes News Desk| April 14, 20246 With just 11 days left, anticipation is building across Osun State as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, intensifies preparations for the highly anticipated Youth in Governance Conference 2026. The countdown is no longer gradual, it is accelerating. Stakeholders, young leaders, and aspiring changemakers are being urged to seize the moment as registration remains open but limited. Organizers describe the conference as more than just a gathering. It is a platform where ideas are expected to evolve into tangible action, where emerging voices will be amplified, and where the future of governance in Osun and beyond will be actively shaped. “This is where conversations turn into action, where young leaders step forward, and where the future is not merely discussed but decided,” a statement from the council emphasized. The event is scheduled to hold on April 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM, at the Osogbo Grammar School Conference ...
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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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