Lagos, Nigeria – The Duke Masterclass, a distinguished platform for knowledge-sharing and experiential learning, is set to host a discussion on the pivotal role of the private sector in Nigeria’s economic renaissance. Retired General Ike Nwachukwu, known for his economic diplomacy during his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, will lead the discussions at the highly anticipated event to be held on June 15.
The Duke Masterclass, held at the esteemed Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos, aims to bring together an elite group of corporate leaders, including CEOs and C-level executives. The event is anticipated to be one of the most insightful engagements on the nation’s economic landscape.
Accompanying General Nwachukwu are esteemed speakers who will contribute their expertise to the discussion. Notable figures include Prof Konyin Ajayi (SAN), a respected legal practitioner, Kola Adeshina, Director of Sahara Power, and Mr. Olu Onakoya, the first indigenous Managing Director of Mobil Oil Plc.
Key topics to be addressed during the session include corporate governance, the regulatory environment, strategic planning, and the relationship between boards and management. A central focus will be the exploration of ways to foster the development of an indigenous company capable of celebrating 100 years of success.
Convener of the Masterclass, Mr. Joseph Edgar, a renowned investment banker and public affairs commentator, emphasized the economic nature of the challenges faced in Nigeria. He stated, “The struggle for control over a singular economic power base is what perpetuates the entrenched political crises, leading to instability and hindering progressive economic growth.”
Edgar further expressed the need to democratize economic power and cited the Masterclass as a robust initiative to strengthen leadership across various sectors of the economy. General Nwachukwu, renowned for his economic diplomacy policy that opened up Nigeria’s economy to international capital, will deliver a keynote address covering leadership, strategy, and visioning in the private sector.
The technical team facilitating the event is led by Dr. Ore Sofekun, former President of the Funds Managers Association, with the inclusion of Bolaji Adewumi, Managing Director of Abbey Mortgage Plc.
The Duke Masterclass is an innovative and prestigious think tank that provides a platform for sharing profound knowledge and practical experiences, aiming to enhance leadership capabilities within Nigeria’s economic landscape. This upcoming session marks the platform’s second event, following a successful two-day visit by over 200 corporate leaders to former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in March 2022. During that event, Chief Obasanjo imparted invaluable insights on decisive leadership and effective decision-making.
As Nigeria seeks to solidify its position in the global economic arena, the Duke Masterclass stands as a beacon of hope, empowering leaders to drive sustainable economic growth and foster a thriving private sector for the nation’s future prosperity.
