Abuja, Jan. 23, 2024: Mr Joseph Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is expected to join a team of experts to x-ray the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja.
Alhaji Ahmed Shekarau, the acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Trust Group said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Shekarau said that Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Mr Wale Edun, would also speak at the dialogue with the theme; “Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers”.
He said that Dr Victoria Akai, former Director-General of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) was also expected to contribute to the discussion at the dialogue.
“Aside the three, several other economists, industrialists, businessmen and women, as well as eminent citizens are participating in this year’s Daily Trust Dialogue which is the 21st in the series.
“These include a Professor of Economics at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Muttaka Usman and the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters in the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Tope Fasua
“Others are the Operations Manager at the World Bank Country Office in Nigeria, Mr Taimur Samad, Mohammed Bago, a banker, politician and member of the 9th House of Representatives,’’ he said.
Shekarau added that the special guests included the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarwa State among others.
He listed dignitaries being expected at the dialogue to also include former state governors, serving and former lawmakers, chairmen and members of market associations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the country.
He said the 2024 dialogue would be combined with the presentation of winner of the 2023 Daily Trust African of the year award.
“A South African humanist, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, emerged winner of the 2023 award after a rigorous process undertaken by the selection board for the award, which is being chaired by a former President of Botswana, Mr Festus Mogae,’’ he said.
He added that the event would be broadcast live on Trust Television on StarTimes Channel 164, NigComSat’s Free TV, Moreplex 715, ArabSat Badr Sat7 as well as on Trust Radio which streams online.
Shekarau explained that the annual Daily Trust Dialogue was part of the Media Trust Group’s contributions to stimulating discussions by Nigerians and fellow Africans.
He said the dialogue was aimed at enhancing national and African integration and cohesion which were crucial for sustainable socio-political growth and economic development of Nigeria and the African continent at large.
Shekarau said that since 2002, Media Trust had hosted the annual public lecture series to discuss topical issues on various aspects of governance.
He said the series of dialogues had been attended by past Heads of Government, the leadership of the National Assembly and captains of commerce and industry, aside members of the diplomatic corps.
“The Daily Trust Dialogue had equally been graced at different times by eminent personalities from across Africa.
“They include late former President of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings and Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, former Prime Minister of Tanzania.
“Others are late Mrs Winnie Mandela of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle , Dr Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Mrs Samia Nkrumah, daughter of late Dr Kwame Nkrumah,’’ Shekarau said.
He said several serving and past presidents of the Nigerian Senate and speakers of the House of Representatives, Governors and Deputy Governors, also participated in the event over the years.
