First Bank Partners NESG, Hosts 25th Nigerian Economic Summit

First bank partners nesg, hosts 25th nigerian economic summitPresident Muhammadu Buhari addressing the gathering yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

As a demonstration of its commitment to create an enabling environment and opportunities for the promotion of sustainable growth and development of the Nigerian economy, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to host the 25th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#25), its annual flagship event.

The Silver Jubilee edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit, themed “Nigeria 2050: Shifting Gears”, began yesterday, 7th October and will end today, 8th October at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs Ibukun Awosika spoke at the epoch-making event on “Gender Empowerment”. She said: “Our differences as a nation can be our strength because of diversity, but our capacity must be dimensioned and planned in stages without losing sight of the future”.

“To ensure Nigeria of our dream becomes a reality, we must articulate our strategies beyond tribe , rather articulate based on commonalities that affects everyone of us.”

It is on record that the Nigerian Economic Summit is the foremost credible platform for public-private dialogue which enables policy makers and influencers to deliberate on issues and proffer policy options with a view to a better understanding of the Nigerian national economic policy direction and growth strategies.

Among the national leaders and policy influencers in attendance at the on-going event include His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; His Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON and Hon. Minister for Finance, Budget & National Planning, Nigeria. Mrs. Zainab Ahmed among others.

Other dignitaries are Senator Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan PhD, CON, President of the Senate; Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. The Chief Host of the event is Mr Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Panelists at the event include Alhaji Aliko Dangote President/CEO Dangote Group; Mr Godwin Emefiele Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Bishop Matthew Kukah, Founder, The Kukah Centre; His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum; HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, The Emir of Kano; Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Hon. Mrs Hannatu Mohammed, Board Member, ICPC; Mr. Chidi Ajaere, CEO, GIG Group; Mrs Juliet Anammah, CEO, Jumia Nigeria and Mr Mauricio Alarcon, MD/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc .

The event is billed to comprise plenary sessions, exhibitions, design workshops, dinner and the anniversary lecture as well as the presentation of awards and prizes to winners of the NES #25 essay competition and start-up pitching event.

Samson Oyedeyi