DICAN to honour Jonathan, Marwa, Onyema, others at diplomacy-security summit
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) is set to honour former President Goodluck Jonathan, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, among others, at its first-ever Diplomatic/Security International Conference.
The high-level event scheduled to hold in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, will bring together key players from Nigeria’s diplomatic community, security architecture, academic institutions, civil society, and the media to examine the strategic intersection of diplomacy, national security, and the country’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, championed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
With the theme: “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability,” the conference is expected to foster deeper synergy across sectors in tackling national and global threats while advancing Nigeria’s international positioning.
According to DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, the event is “a bold intellectual platform aimed at bridging the gap between security policy, diplomatic action, and media accountability.
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“Nigeria is undergoing a deep recalibration of its foreign policy doctrine under the 4D framework. We believe the media has a crucial role in amplifying these strategies, while experts and diplomats must align security and diplomacy with real-time global shifts. This conference offers that synergy.” He said
Frederick noted that as part of the programme, DICAN will present its prestigious Award of Excellence to 20 distinguished individuals and institutions for their impactful contributions to diplomacy, peacebuilding, national cohesion, and security sector reforms.
Among those to be honoured is former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in recognition of his enduring efforts in peace diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa. Also listed for the award is Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for his bold reforms in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, will also be honoured for his contributions to regional air connectivity, humanitarian evacuation missions, and support for Nigeria’s diplomatic operations. The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Nigeria will be recognised for consistent diplomatic engagement and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Other honourees include top-ranking security operatives, humanitarian actors, and institutions that have advanced Nigeria’s international presence and contributed to internal stability through strategic reforms and global partnerships.
The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and strategic briefings from prominent speakers such as Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Interior, Ambassador Gautier Mignot (Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS), and Ambassador Mohamed Fouad of Egypt. Nigeria’s service chiefs and heads of select foreign missions will also participate.
DICAN emphasized that the conference is not just a media initiative but a national dialogue to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic relevance in the face of growing global insecurity and misinformation.
“We are living in an era where diplomacy is not just about embassies and bilateral meetings. It is now an essential tool in combating transnational threats, shaping economic development, and projecting national interest. This conference creates that rare space for reflective, inclusive discourse,” said Idehai.
The event reaffirms DICAN’s role as a leading force in promoting transparency, accountability, and strategic communication in Nigeria’s foreign policy and multilateral engagements.
