Advocates of peace building and democratic governance across African continent and beyond will convey in Abuja on Nov. 20 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF).
A statement from the Foundation’s Communications Officer, Wealth Ominabo, in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the event serves as both celebration of progress and an invitation to deepen collaborative efforts toward more peaceful and democratic Africa.
Ominabo said that the anniversary, themed, “Legacy of Impact: Celebrating Our Journey”, would draw participants from government institutions, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, development partners and professionals from various fields.
This according to him underscores the broad coalition of actors that have engaged with and supported the foundation’s work over the years.
Ominabo said while the founder of the foundation, former President Goodluck Jonathan, would serve as chief host, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, would be the royal father of the day.
He added that the major highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former President of ECOWAS, who also was former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and a prominent member of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).
Ominabo said that Chambas, who has collaborated with the foundation on several mediation and preventive diplomacy engagements, would reflect on GJF’s role in promoting electoral integrity, supporting peaceful transitions and fostering partnerships that strengthen governance across the sub-region.
Ominabo quoted the Executive Director of the Foundation, Ms Ann Iyonu as emphasising the significance of the milestone as a moment for reflection and recommitment.
“For 10 years, the GJF has championed constructive dialogue, supported credible elections and facilitated mediation efforts during political transitions and conflicts across Africa.
“Our work with regional bodies, civil society actors and community leaders has contributed to reducing tensions, deepening democratic norms and amplifying the voices of those committed to stability and development.
“This anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and strengthen our resolve for the years ahead, instilling hope for a more stable and developed Africa,” Iyonu said.
It would be recalled that in the past decade, GJF has convened high-level dialogues, promoted the participation of women and youths in governance and leveraged its networks to support peaceful elections and conflict resolution processes in West Africa.
The Foundation has also provided platforms for early warning engagement, preventive diplomacy and post-election reflection, contributing to stability and consensus-building at critical moments, through its peace and democracy programmes.
