APC plans forum on policy direction for new government

Ahead of the May 29 inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the country, the roadmap for the policy direction of the Muhammadu Buhari–led administration would be unveiled during a two-day Policy Dialogue planned for Abuja between Wednesday and Thursday.

The Policy dialogue themed: “Implementing Change: From Vision to Reality,” is organised by the Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Monday, the Deputy Head of the Directorate and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the President-elect Muhammadu Buhari would declare open the dialogue which would be chaired by Vice President-elect, Prof Yemi Osibajo (SAN).

Former British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair is the Keynote Speaker at the dialogue where input to the roadmap for the actualisation of the policies of the incoming administration would be made by experts drawn from different fields and members of the public.

Abdullahi identified the core areas of focus in the two-day dialogue to include the Economy, governance, job creation and Security in line with the APC manifestoes for change.

He added that topics for discussion include: Improving the National Economy for Shared Prosperity; Repositioning Agriculture for Job Creation and Economic Prosperity; Developing Infrastructure for National Development; Achieving Sustainable Reforms on Oil/Gas Sector; Reducing Inequality and Achieving Sustainable Human Development; Achieving Holistic and Sustainable Reforms in the Education Sector; Developing and Education System Relevant to Nigeria’s Developmental Aspiration; Achieving Qualitative and Affordable Healthcare.

Others include: Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in Public Life; Exploring Sports, Tourism and Creative Industry for Job Creation; Governance and Improved Efficiency in Public Service; Tackling Corruption in Public Sector and Foreign Policy and Agenda for Change.

Some of the speakers and discussants expected at the dialogue include: Ms Ifueko Omogui-Okauru, former Chairperson of the FIRS; Dr Rilwan Babalola, former Minister of Power; Dr Tajudeen Umar, former Country Chair, Nigeria –Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority; Prof Niyi Ayoola Daniels, President, International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy; Mr Tunde Ahonsi, Resident Representative UNFPA, Ghana; Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd).

Others include : Prof Pai Obanya, Chairman WAEC; Dr Ayo Teriba, CEO Economic Associates; Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Vice Chancellor Federal University, Otuoke; Prof Mohammed Tabia of the Department of Islamic Law, Bayero University, Kano; General Abdulrahman Dambazzau , former Chief of Army Staff; Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative, United Nations; Mr Fola Arthur- Worrey, former Solicitor-General, Lagos State; Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, former Director-General BPE; Mr Wale Fapounda, of Legal Resources Consortium; and Prof Etannibi Alemika, Chairman CLEEN Foundation.

The programme will also mark the winding down of activities of the Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the APC Campaign Council, Abdullahi added.