African leaders, mayors, and development experts converge to promote inclusive governance and grassroots transformation

By Talentz MEDIA

The Papyrus Global Mayors Conference and Award (PAGMACA) has been successfully held in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together mayors, policymakers, development experts, and key stakeholders from across Africa to discuss strategies for strengthening grassroots governance and promoting sustainable development.

The high-level event, organized by Papyrus Global, took place at the prestigious Palms Hotel Abuja and served as a major platform for dialogue on critical governance issues affecting local administrations across the continent.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions on inclusive leadership, climate adaptation, legislative accountability, urban planning, youth participation, and community-driven development. The conference also addressed pressing challenges such as operational independence, transparency, and responsibility within local government systems in Africa.

Delivering a keynote address, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emphasized the importance of effective leadership in driving grassroots transformation, calling for innovative and accountable governance structures.

Chairlady of the occasion, Dame Pauline Tallen, highlighted the need for inclusive leadership that prioritizes youth, women, and vulnerable groups, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved through broad-based participation.

Other keynote speakers included Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, who spoke on women empowerment and participatory governance, and Aare Majeed Alabi, who addressed legislative oversight and transparency in local governance. Environmental expert I. I. Y. Malu also presented on flood management and climate resilience strategies.

Panel sessions featured contributions from leading voices across civil society and development sectors. Awal Musa Rafsanjani discussed civil society oversight, while Romy Mom highlighted the importance of community policing and sustainable partnerships.

Youth participation and climate action were also central themes, with Thecla Orakwe and Aminu Zakari emphasizing the role of young people and environmental planning in shaping Africa’s future.

The conference further benefited from insights by Michael Terunga David on climate-smart agriculture and Queen Imalue Phillips on urban planning and population growth. Although absent, Aumbur Kwaghter Sule was acknowledged for her contribution to public-private partnerships.

The event attracted distinguished mayors and public officials from across Africa, including Leonard Hango, Annelize Knaus, Taarah Shalyefu, and Albert Zinghanga, whose participation reinforced regional collaboration in governance.

Other notable attendees included Yankuba Darboe from The Gambia and Mathias Lwanga from Uganda. Nigerian representatives such as Sunday Paul Bako and Fatai Owoseni also played key roles, contributing to discussions on education, security, and community stability.

Papyrus Global also acknowledged the support of its media partners, including Leadership Newspaper Nigeria, GhanaWeb, Talentz Media, and BEN TV UK, for their role in amplifying the reach and impact of the conference.

Special appreciation was extended to Lawyers Alert for its sponsorship and continued advocacy for inclusive governance and community development.

In a closing statement, the organizers expressed deep gratitude to all delegates, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing grassroots transformation, strengthening institutions, and promoting inclusive leadership across Africa.

The successful hosting of PAGMACA 2026 marks another significant milestone in Papyrus Global’s mission to foster collaboration, drive policy innovation, and support sustainable development initiatives across the continent.