Honourable Oluwole Oke, member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has reiterated the importance of unity, sustainability, and regional collaboration in strengthening democratic governance across West Africa.
Speaking as a special guest 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, Hon. Oke expressed deep appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other key stakeholders for organizing what he described as a timely and strategic forum.
In his address, Hon. Oke highlighted the pressing global challenges confronting governance, socio-economic stability, peace, and security. He emphasized that unity and collaboration among nations remain the most effective response to these threats.
“One lesson learned from the 20th century is that the world is better when we bond together and cooperate,” he said, citing the African proverb, “Unity is strength.” He urged African nations to leverage initiatives like the RPD to institutionalize collective progress and avoid the fate of earlier continental frameworks such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which he warned must not “lose steam or fall through the cracks.”
The roundtable featured several distinguished speakers and technical experts, beginning with Opening Remarks by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, who underscored the critical role of multilateral cooperation in entrenching democratic norms across the region.
Delivering the Opening Address, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf M. Tuggar (OON), reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fostering regional dialogue and democratic engagement, emphasizing Nigeria’s strategic position in the region.
Also delivering a keynote was Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, who reiterated the National Assembly’s readiness to support Nigeria’s leadership in advancing continental democratic reforms.
The event also featured a comprehensive presentation on the RPD programme by leading experts, including:
- Professor Kamil Kamaludeen, a renowned governance scholar
- Mr. Dapo Oyewole, international development advisor and policy strategist
- Hon. Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi, a prominent civic engagement advocate
Their insights focused on practical strategies for enhancing regional cooperation, peer learning, and institutional resilience to safeguard democratic governance in West Africa.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks by Ms. Varsha Redkar-Palepu, Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), UNDP Nigeria, who praised the rich contributions from participants and reaffirmed the UNDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting democratic initiatives across the subregion.
The high-level engagement underscored the enduring value of strategic partnerships in defending democracy, promoting regional cohesion, and sustaining peace through inclusive, transparent governance frameworks.
