From Wednesday, May 14 to Friday, May 16, 2025, family life practitioners, counselors, and advocates from across Africa and the diaspora gathered in the historic city of Benin, Nigeria, for the African Family Life Delegate Conference (AFLDC), a landmark event in celebration of the International Day of Families observed annually on May 15.

A Pan-African Gathering of Purpose and Passion
This year’s AFLDC was themed “Reclaiming Our Heritage and Strength”, and it brought together delegates from countries including Cameroon, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various states across Nigeria. The three-day gathering created a powerful platform for dialogue, learning, cultural reconnection, and collaborative action in support of African family values and wellness.

Day 1: Practitioners’ Dinner & Networking
The conference kicked off on Wednesday, May 14 with an elegant Family Practitioners’ Dinner, a closed-door networking evening that fostered connection and collaboration among counselors, family therapists, psychologists, community leaders, and advocates. It was an evening of meaningful conversations, shared insights, and intentional relationship building.

Day 2: Conference Day – Reclaiming Our Heritage and Strength: African History and Legends for Building Intergenerational Resilience
On Thursday, May 15, the AFLDC officially marked the International Day of Families with a full-day conference that featured notable speakers like Prof Edward Erhagbe, Dr Charles Apoki, Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, Akinropo Akinola, and panel sessions. The agenda focused on:
• Preserving African family heritage in a changing world
• Mental health and emotional intelligence in marriage and parenting
• Gender roles, identity, and the impact on family systems
• Faith, culture, and policy in family development
Speakers brought a wealth of experience and cultural context to the stage, addressing real-life issues facing modern African families, while calling for intentional legacy building, healing, and innovation in family life practice.
The atmosphere was electric with engagement, questions, and laughter as participants found their voices and reconnected to shared values across generations and borders.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion Tour of Benin City
On Friday, May 16, delegates enjoyed a guided tour of Benin City, one of Africa’s most culturally significant locations. From the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin to historical art sites and community hubs, the tour served as both an educational and emotional journey, reminding delegates of the rich legacy they carry and must pass on.
It was a fitting close to a powerful conference, grounding the message of heritage and strength in the soil of Benin’s royal and resilient history.

A Conference That Inspired and Empowered
The 2025 African Family Life Delegate Conference left an indelible mark on all attendees. From professional enrichment to personal healing, it reinforced the importance of:
• Centering African identity in family counseling practice
• Bridging the gap between tradition and modernity
• Building community among practitioners across nations
• Recommitting to family systems that are holistic, healthy, and hopeful
The conversations don’t end here. Delegates left with new tools, partnerships, and visions for the future of African families, at home and abroad.

Stay Connected
If you missed this year’s AFLDC, stay tuned for updates, upcoming workshops, and the 2026 edition coming up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing insights into African-centered family life and therapy practices.
See photo highlights on @africanfamilylifeconference, @juwonodutayo