Chief of Staff to the President , Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the opening of the Secretariat of the Conference of Speakers and President’s of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Abuja is an affirmation of what African cooperation can achieve when anchored on shared purpose, political will and commitment to democratic governance.
He stated this while commissioning the Secretariat located in Lugbe, on the Airport Road in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila, who is also the pioneer chairman of CoSPAL said “Today marks a historic milestone for our continent and an inspiring affirmation of what African cooperation can achieve when anchored on shared purpose, political will, and a deep commitment to democratic governance”.
He explained that CoSPAL was conceived at a moment of global uncertainty saying “In 2020, when the world was confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa’s legislative leaders found themselves compelled to collaborate more closely, exchange ideas more frequently, and speak with a clearer, collective and unified voice.
“Amidst that crisis, a small group of us — Speakers from across Africa — recognised that our parliaments could no longer afford to operate in isolation.
“The challenges we faced were continental in scale, therefore, our responses had to be continental in spirit.
“As our conversations deepened, it became clear that we possessed immense comparative strengths that could be harnessed for the benefit of our people.
“From that realisation emerged an idea to create a platform where African legislative leaders could collaborate, coordinate, deliberate, and jointly address the evolving challenges of our times.
“Today, that idea has matured into a living institution — one that stands not only in philosophy or ideology but now also in brick, steel, and mortar. It is not every day that a vision grows into tangible reality.
“Yet here we are, witnessing the emergence of a pan-African inter-parliamentary institution whose potential is extraordinary and whose significance for democratic development in Africa cannot be overstated”.
He noted that “As the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives and the pioneer Chairman of CoSPAL, I had the privilege of working with many brilliant parliamentary leaders across the continent. And when the time came to pass the baton at the end of my tenure as the Speaker, I looked across Africa for the right leader — someone with clarity, vision, depth, experience, a wide network of influence and strong belief in the ideals of CoSPAL and what it could become.
“In Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana & current Chairman of CoSPAL, we found precisely that leader. None understood the spirit and ambitions of CoSPAL more deeply and certainly none demonstrated such steadfast support for its mission.
In his welcome address, the Secretary General of CoSPAL, Ambassador Dapo Oyewole said the Secretariat stands as a concrete expression of our collective resolve to build a platform where Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures can work together under one banner, speak with one voice, and champion a unified Africa’s interests with dignity and coherence.
“It is a space where ideas will be shaped, dialogue will be fostered, and legislative leadership will be strengthened for generations to come”, he stated.
He commended Gbajabiamila for his foresight in birthing the organisation. He said “From the very beginning, CoSPAL emerged from the imagination and determination of one man. A man who believes that African legislative leaders must collaborate more deliberately, speak more cohesively, and act more strategically.
“That man, Your Excellencies, Distinguished guests, that man, is — Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, pioneer Chairman of this noble institution, and current Chief of Staff to the President.
“His vision has brought us to this moment and I remain deeply grateful for his support, his mentorship, and his trust.
“As we commission this home of pan-African legislative leadership, we honour the leaders whose vision brought us here—Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu CFR. Their commitment, sacrifice and dedication reminds us all that institutions do not grow by accident; but they grow through intention, investment, and trust”.
