02 July 2026
Bel Media Consult Limited, the publishers of _Ndokwa Reporters_ and _The Brief_, has announced the second edition of its public policy platform, Bel With Former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini tol serve as Chairman of the Occasion.
The 2026 edition will hold on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, starting at 11:00 a.m.
The theme for this year is _“Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability.”_ Organisers say the theme is timely, given the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions, entrench accountable governance, and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems.
Bel Dialogue is an annual, non-partisan public engagement initiative by Bel Media Consult Limited. It was set up to drive informed conversations on governance, public policy, leadership, and national development.
The platform brings together policymakers, professionals, civil society actors, academics, traditional rulers, the media, and citizens to examine critical national issues and develop practical solutions.
This year’s edition builds on the success of the maiden Bel Dialogue, which established the platform as a credible space for civic engagement and policy discourse. Organisers say the 2026 version will be broader and more interactive, with discussions aimed at ideas that can strengthen democracy and improve institutional performance across Nigeria.
Announcing the programme on behalf of the Advisory Board Chairman, Pharm. Paul O. Enebeli, the Board Secretary and Executive Director of Bel Dialogue, Emmanuel Enebeli, said Igini’s appointment reflects the organisers’ focus on excellence, credibility, and democratic values.
According to him, Igini’s track record in electoral administration, constitutional democracy, and institutional accountability makes him well suited to chair the dialogue.
During his time at INEC, Igini gained national recognition for conducting elections that reflected voters’ true choices, with high standards of transparency, impartiality, and professionalism.
> _“His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity, the rule of law and democratic accountability has earned him widespread respect across Nigeria and beyond. His wealth of experience and principled leadership make him an ideal Chairman for a dialogue focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the people’s votes truly count,”_ Enebeli stated.
Enebeli explained that Bel Dialogue is not a traditional lecture. It is designed as a participatory forum where experts, stakeholders, and the public engage in open, solution-focused discussions on governance and development.
He said arrangements are at an advanced stage to make this edition one of the biggest public policy conversations in Delta State this year. The names of the moderator, discussants, and other key participants will be released soon.
He also called on public office holders, lawmakers, political leaders, professionals, academics, civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth groups, the private sector, the media, and other Nigerians to attend.
> _“Bel Dialogue is driven by the conviction that democracy can only thrive when institutions are strong, elections are credible, leaders are accountable and citizens remain actively engaged in the democratic process. We believe this year’s conversation will make meaningful contributions to the ongoing national discourse on democratic governance and institutional reforms,”_ he added.
