Dr. Bukola Saraki to Chair Prestigious Daily Trust Dialogue on Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
Abuja, Nigeria – The upcoming 23rd edition of the highly anticipated Daily Trust Dialogue will be presided over by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The influential forum, scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, will convene at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja.
Adding significant gravitas to the event, His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is slated to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
The central theme of this year’s dialogue, which promises to be a high-level examination of Nigeria’s democratic journey, is: “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What Is Working and What Is Not.”
Dr. Saraki’s acceptance to chair this crucial discourse underscores his deep engagement with Nigeria’s political landscape. His extensive tenure as a political leader and keen observer, spanning both state and national levels, positions him ideally to moderate discussions on the successes and shortcomings of Nigeria’s democratic experiment since 1999.
Saraki’s illustrious career includes two terms as the Governor of Kwara State, from 2003 to 2011. He then transitioned to the federal legislature, representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2011 to 2019. His time in the Senate culminated in his esteemed role as the President of the Senate, a position that afforded him a unique vantage point on national governance.
Prior to his impactful political career, Dr. Saraki, also known as the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, honed his skills in the medical field. He practiced medicine in the United Kingdom, serving as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital in Essex between 1988 and 1989. His medical journey began after graduating with an MBBS degree from the London Hospital Medical College, University of London, in 1987.
His professional path later led him to the financial sector, where he served as a director of the now-defunct Société Générale Bank Ltd in 1990. This was followed by a significant appointment in 2000 as Special Assistant on Budget to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, further broadening his experience in public service and policy.
The Media Trust Group, the esteemed publisher of Daily Trust, Aminiya, Trust TV, Trust Radio, and Digital Trust, has announced that the 23rd Dialogue will be a comprehensive, multi-layered event. The main dialogue will be preceded by a series of engaging countdown features. These curated content pieces will spotlight pivotal moments and defining achievements of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic since its inception in 1999, setting a rich context for the main discussions.
A Forum for Critical National Reflection
Organisers envision the Dialogue as a vital platform for a diverse assembly of participants. Political leaders, policymakers, distinguished academics, seasoned professionals, key industry players, and other influential stakeholders from both within and outside government circles are expected to converge. The primary objective is to thoroughly interrogate Nigeria’s democratic journey and its governance experiences, fostering a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives.
This year’s edition is particularly noteworthy as it is open to members of the public, encouraging broader participation and engagement with critical national issues.
The Legacy of the Daily Trust Dialogue
Established in 2004, the Daily Trust Dialogue has evolved into a flagship forum dedicated to stimulating informed debate among Nigerians and across the African continent. Its overarching mission is to champion national and continental integration, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote sustainable socio-political and economic development.
Over the years, the Dialogue has provided a critical space for examining a wide spectrum of pressing issues. These have included, but have not been limited to:
- Democratic governance and its evolution.
- Strategies for economic transformation and sustainable growth.
- The pursuit of African unity and cooperation.
- Addressing national and continental debt challenges.
- The complexities of authoritarianism and its impact.
- Conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.
- The dynamics of migration and its socio-economic implications.
- Regional integration efforts and their effectiveness.
- Africa’s evolving relationships with global powers.
The calibre of past participants in the Daily Trust Dialogue speaks volumes about its significance. The forum has hosted former Nigerian Presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan. It has also welcomed top judicial officers, legislative leaders, state governors, eminent diplomats, and influential captains of industry.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, the Dialogue has proudly hosted distinguished African luminaries. These have included former Botswana President Festus Mogae, Ghana’s late President Jerry Rawlings, Tanzania’s former Prime Minister Salim Ahmed Salim, the iconic Mrs. Winnie Mandela, Dr. Mo Ibrahim, and Mrs. Samia Nkrumah, among many other influential figures who have contributed to shaping conversations on Africa’s future.
