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…as Akpabio, Kalu, Gbajabiamila Congratulate New Secretary-General, Pledge Support
The secretariat of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra, Ghana, has expressed confidence that newly elected Secretary-General, Ambassador Dapo Oyewole, will strengthen the organization’s parliamentary cooperation efforts and address Africa’s most pressing challenges through unified legislative action.
The secretariat made this known in a statement on Sunday, following Oyewole’s swearing-in at the 2nd General Assembly of CoSPAL in Ghana
It should be recalled that Oyewole, who also serves as the Senior Special Assistant on International Cooperation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was unanimously elected at the conference on Saturday.
CoSPAL was founded at the initiative of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, currently the Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President and the first chairman of the organization during his tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives in 2020.
The current chairman of CoSPAL is the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, who was re-elected for a second term in office.
Oyewole’s election was preceded by strong advocacy from the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represented Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, at the event.
Underlining Nigeria’s commitment to CoSPAL’s mission, Kalu’s advocacy secured a seat for Nigeria in the advisory committee of the legislative forum, which will be occupied by Gbajabiamila as a representative from the West African subregion. The Deputy Speaker also proposed key constitutional amendments to enhance CoSPAL’s transparency and operational efficiency.
“Ambassador Oyewole will lead CoSPAL’s efforts to deepen parliamentary cooperation and address Africa’s most pressing challenges through unified legislative action. His four-year term signifies a renewed commitment to the organization’s mission of fostering democratic governance and sustainable development across the continent,” the statement noted.
“CoSPAL unites legislative leaders from across Africa to advance shared goals, promote democratic values, and build a cohesive platform to address the continent’s common aspirations.
“As CoSPAL’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Oyewole will prioritize expanding partnerships within Africa and with global stakeholders. His mandate includes developing a strategic vision for CoSPAL, positioning it as Africa’s leading platform for legislative leadership, and building collaborations that reinforce democratic principles and human security. Ambassador Oyewole’s role will be pivotal in connecting CoSPAL with regional and international institutions, amplifying African legislatures’ voices on global platforms, and fostering impactful legislative alliances across the continent.”
Ambassador Oyewole is set to be officially inaugurated on October 27th, in a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, Chair of CoSPAL.
“In an era of both opportunity and challenge for democratic governance, CoSPAL remains committed to strengthening the foundations of legislative institutions across Africa. By fostering dialogue and collective action among legislative leaders, CoSPAL aims to champion democratic governance and advance human security and development on the continent. The organization’s initiatives reflect its dedication to realizing democracy’s potential as a driver of sustainable growth and shared prosperity for all Africans,” the statement added.
In their messages, Nigerian Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Kalu, expressed confidence in Oyewole’s leadership, affirming that his appointment will benefit both Nigeria and Africa.
Also offering his congratulations, Gbajabiamila pledged his support for Oyewole, saying, “We have full confidence in Ambassador Oyewole’s ability to lead CoSPAL to new heights, amplifying Africa’s legislative influence on sustainable development.”
The CoSPAL Secretariat will begin operations from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) complex in Nigeria.
“As a strategic hub, NILDS will facilitate CoSPAL’s activities and strengthen engagement with African parliaments and international partners, marking a crucial step in the organization’s institutional growth and impact,” the statement concluded
