- Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Dabiri-Erewa, Others to Headline ECI@25 Convention in Newark
- The convention will run from September 18 to 21
- Prof. Emmanuel Akin Abayomi, will reflect on “Pandemic Preparedness and Healthcare Innovation”
Nigeria’s foremost political leaders, policymakers, and innovators are preparing to take the stage at the 14th Biennial Convention of Eko Club International (ECI@25).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the convention, running from September 18 to 21 in Newark, New Jersey, is expected to attract a global audience of Nigerians in the diaspora for four days of dialogue on governance, economy, technology, health, and education.
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At the opening Economic Session, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a keynote address titled “Nigeria and the New African Economy: A Diaspora-Driven Blueprint.” His remarks are expected to center on how diaspora partnerships can fuel economic transformation across the continent.
From Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will spotlight “The Lagos Advantage: Urban Innovation and Diaspora Investment.” He is expected to outline how Nigeria’s commercial capital is positioning itself as a hub for technology, infrastructure growth, and international investment.
On the education front, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa will take the stage with a session on “Education as the Foundation for Africa’s Future.” His focus will be on tackling curriculum overload, promoting skills development, and aligning Nigeria’s learning system with global standards.
Lawmakers will also have their say. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., will lead a session on “Parliamentary Perspective on Nigeria’s Democratic Development,” emphasizing how legislation can strengthen institutions and entrench democratic values.
Diaspora relations will take the spotlight when Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, delivers her paper on “Africa Rising: Diaspora Relations, Global Perception and the Lagos Advantage.” She is expected to highlight the influence of Nigerians abroad in shaping national progress.
Public health reforms will be addressed by Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in a keynote titled “Health Sector Reforms and Social Welfare Integration.” His address will focus on universal access and the integration of social welfare into healthcare systems.
Adding to the health discussions, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Akin Abayomi, will reflect on “Pandemic Preparedness and Healthcare Innovation.” His presentation will draw from Lagos’s pandemic response and its ongoing healthcare transformation.
At the state level, legislative perspectives will come from Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. His session, “State Legislative Perspective on Governance and Democratic Institutions,” will explore the vital role state parliaments play in strengthening democracy.
Technology and innovation will feature prominently as Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Olatunbosun Alake, presents on “How Technology and Innovation Drive Economic Growth and Development.” He is expected to highlight smart city policies, digital identity initiatives, and the potential of tech-driven growth.
Transportation infrastructure will also be in focus. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, will moderate a panel on “Transportation as Catalyst for Growth,” examining how road and rail projects can unlock trade and mobility.
Natural resources will enter the discussion through Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who will lead a town hall titled “Solid Minerals as Nigeria’s Next Economic Frontier.” His session will examine reforms aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil.
Education policy at the state level will be discussed by Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, during a Policy Roundtable. His topic, “Human Capital Development and Institutional Excellence,” will highlight the state’s push for equitable learning and digital education initiatives.
Global technology insights will be brought to the table by Engr. Adebimpe Daniells of Amazon Web Services, who will chair the Economic Session.
With expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud solutions, she is expected to connect Nigeria’s growth potential with global digital transformation trends.
With such a diverse lineup of voices, the ECI@25 convention is being billed as more than a celebration of the club’s 25-year journey.
Organizers say it will serve as a platform where Nigeria’s leaders and diaspora community converge to shape a stronger, more prosperous future.
