ASABA/Nigeria: The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has called on the organisers of BEL Dialogue to work towards transforming the platform into a non-partisan policy institute where national issues, governance and development challenges can be critically examined, similar to established institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
The revered monarch made the call when he received members of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, led by its Chairman, Pharm. Paul Enebeli, at the Asagba’s Palace in Asaba on Thursday, ahead of the 2026 edition of the annual public policy dialogue.
According to the Asagba, Nigeria needs more independent platforms outside Abuja and Lagos where public policies, governance and national development issues can be objectively discussed, researched and subjected to constructive public engagement. He said Asaba, as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing state capitals, is well positioned to host such an institution.
“I have listened attentively to the presentation on what BEL Dialogue seeks to achieve. It is time we began decentralising governance and national conversations. I am happy that BEL Dialogue is taking place in Asaba because we want this city to remain at the forefront of important discussions that shape our nation,” the monarch said.
He urged the organisers to sustain the initiative beyond an annual event by building it into a credible institution capable of generating policy recommendations, promoting democratic accountability and contributing to national development through research, dialogue and informed public discourse.
The Asagba described the theme of the 2026 edition, “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability,” as timely, noting that the country is gradually entering another election cycle.
According to him, the dialogue provides an opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of democratic participation and strengthen public understanding of the responsibilities that come with electoral governance.
“This is the best time to sensitise our people. We look forward to the communiqué and recommendations that will emerge from the dialogue. Voting remains one of the most fundamental pillars of our democratic system,” he said.
The monarch further stressed that Nigerians desire a democratic system that delivers meaningful results, saying public discourse should focus on strengthening institutions rather than condemning individuals.
“We all desire a democracy that works. The objective is not to condemn anyone, whether past or present, but to promote ideas and solutions that will improve governance for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he added.
The Asagba also highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Asaba traditional institution to complement government efforts in healthcare, environmental sanitation and community welfare.
“I have deliberately shifted the narrative from traditional rulership to traditional governance by actively engaging in issues that directly affect the welfare and development of my people,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the BEL Dialogue Advisory Board, Pharm. Paul Enebeli, said the long-term vision of the organisation is to develop BEL Dialogue into a respected policy and research institution that will stimulate informed discussions on governance, democracy and sustainable development.
He explained that the initiative seeks to provide a platform where experts, policymakers, public office holders, civil society organisations and citizens can collectively examine national and sub-national issues and propose practical solutions for the country’s development.
Pharm. Enebeli said the aspiration is to establish an institution comparable to leading policy organisations that influence public discourse through research, dialogue and evidence-based recommendations, while helping to position Asaba as a centre for policy engagement in Nigeria.
He thanked the Asagba for receiving the delegation and sought the royal blessings and support of the palace for the continued growth of BEL Dialogue.
In his response, the Asagba commended the Advisory Board for its vision and commitment to promoting constructive engagement on governance and democratic development, expressing confidence that the initiative has the potential to make meaningful contributions to public policy discussions in Delta State and across Nigeria.
