Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, are set to lead a crucial discussion on Nigeria’s economy and security at the 20th edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference.
They will be joined by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Dele Oye.
Other notable speakers include Uncle Sam Amuka, Aremo Segun Osoba, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and Frank Aigbogun.
In a statement on Sunday signed by the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the conference will focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, as well as exploring ways to support the media industry and promote quality journalism, according to ThisDay.
Strategies for stabilizing and growing the economy, addressing security concerns, and promoting peace will also be discussed.
The event, scheduled to hold from November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will bring together over 350 editors and media executives, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. This gathering aims to drive positive change in Nigeria’s economy and media landscape.
“Their argument is that the petrol fiscal subsidy was moderately jettisoned initially, and foreign exchange reforms had led to the unification of the markets and a market-reflective exchange rate.
‘’They have also argued that in order to assuage the inflationary effects of these reforms on the most vulnerable, the government had been implementing temporary cash transfers to reach over 15 million households, with efforts also being made to tighten monetary policy and refocus the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on its core mandate of maintaining price stability.
‘’However, in spite of these efforts by the federal government and having the largest economy and population in Africa, many experts say that Nigeria offers limited opportunities to most of its citizens, especially as Nigeria is currently ranked the 7th lowest human capital index in the world, and weak job creation while many workers choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities,’’ the statement added.
Justifying the conference’s theme: ‘’Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-rich Country,’’ the NGE said while the poverty rate is put at about 40 per cent, with an estimated 88 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, the exchange rate, inflation and swelling energy prices remain huge concerns to many Nigerians and global community.
The body added: ‘’To address these economic challenges and achieve development, there is a near consensus among all stakeholders that Nigeria needs to push for a wide-ranging and comprehensible set of policies and strategies that will address both the short-term and long-term issues.’’
According to the statement: ‘’The argument is that mechanisms should adjust to evolving market conditions and boost the likelihood that publishers can build diverse revenue streams.
‘’It is within this context that this year’s ANEC will focus on strategies and policies aimed at addressing the challenges of the nation’s economy and the media space. Key experts, actors and players – from various sectors – will be invited to start conversation on the best possible way out of these challenges.’’
