Skip to main content

Experts call for people-centred growth at national dialogue in Enugu

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has launched the inaugural edition of The Nigerian Hamilton Project: A National Dialogue Series on Development as Attitude, gathering thought leaders, policymakers, and private sector players in Enugu on April 24 to dissect the nation's developmental challenges and leadership philosophies.

Anchored by a fireside chat with economist Professor Osita Ogbu, the event featured a dynamic panel discussion and a book signing, creating a vibrant forum for civic dialogue.

Dr Emeka Urama, Enugu State’s Commissioner of Finance, underscored the importance of national unity in shaping sustainable growth.

“Sustainable economic growth cannot thrive without social cohesion. When citizens feel excluded or marginalised, it breeds discontent and resistance to development efforts,” Urama said.

READ ALSO: NESG partners with stakeholders to drive economic growth in Borno

He urged leaders to focus on inclusive governance and enabling policies.

“Beyond vision statements, we must ensure security, improve infrastructure, and address social issues—these are the real drivers of investor confidence and sustainable development,” he said.

Academic voices echo call for reform

“Leadership is judged not by words, but by actions,” said Dr. Ben Nwosu of the University of Nigeria, criticising political rhetoric that lacks tangible outcomes.

He emphasised the importance of investing in education and healthcare as key indicators of genuine development.

Private sector leader Chief Loretta Aniagolu emphasised the importance of people-centred policy.

READ ALSO: NESG CEO calls for timely reforms to stabilise Nigerian economy

“At the heart of development is the people—measured by the jobs we create and the lives we improve,” she said, stressing agriculture and housing over physical infrastructure.

Dr. Chukwuma Agu, a former economic adviser, decried Nigeria’s “rich kid” mentality.

“Our leaders behave as though natural resources guarantee wealth, ignoring the realities of poverty,” he warned, calling for reinvestment in labour-intensive sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

ridoola.blogspot.com.ng
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Okpebholo suspends A-G & LG Chair under 3 months over finance dealings

The Edo Government has announced the suspension of Samson Osagie , its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Damian Lawani , chairman of the Local Government Service Commission. Mr Musa Ikhilor , Secretary to the State Government (SSG) announced the suspension in a statement in Benin on Thursday morning. ALSO READ: Kano Govt suspend 2 school principals for alleged absenteeism, negligence Ikhilor said the two-state top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial interactions”. Okpebholo suspends Edo Attorney-General and LG Service Commission Chairman According to him, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations. The SSG said; It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Gov. Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Os...
Post a Comment
Read more

Family Homes Funds, TETFund & Private Investors Lead National PPP Drive for Renewed Hope Student Housing Projects

The Renewed Hope Student Housing Project is a Public Private Partnership initiative of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that is set to improve the living standards and revitalize infrastructure across Tertiary Institutions in the country with a plan to deliver 38,400 world class student hostel bed spaces across a total of 24 locations: 12 Universities, 6 Polytechnics & 6 Colleges of Education. The Renewed Hope Student Hostel Project in each of the 24 locations will boast 1,600 bed spaces, 400 ensuite rooms with study table and chairs, 4 reading rooms, common room, cafeteria & restaurants, laundromat, grocery shops, salons, public toilets etc.  Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited is set to deliver on Mr. President’s promise to transform student accommodation nationwide through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Renewed Hope Stude...
Post a Comment
Read more

NYSC Mobilisation & Academic Standards – Raising quality or adding pressure on students?

On September 29, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a reform linking the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation process to the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). By invoking Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the NYSC Act, Tinubu stated that no graduate, whether from a Nigerian or foreign institution, will be mobilised for or exempted from NYSC without proof of compliance with the NERD policy. In a common man's understanding, the Federal Government has announced that Nigerian students must now submit their final-year projects or thesis before they can be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This policy aims to improve academic standards, ensuring that no student skips essential academic requirements before entering the NYSC scheme . On the surface, this sounds like a laudable idea, but a deeper look reveals a different reality. In many universities, students are allowed to graduate and mobilised for NYSC  ...
Post a Comment
Read more