By Bassey Udo
The second edition of The Paul Alaje Colloquium will set an agenda on how Nigeria can lead African from poverty to prosperity.
Scheduled for for November 15, 2025 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, the event has an array of prominent leaders from within and outside Nigeria to dissect the theme: “Breaking the Cycle: How Nigeria Can Lead Africa from Poverty to Prosperity.”
At the pre-event briefing on Tuesday, Fehintoluwa Oduekun, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said the expected speakers include Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima; presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi; renowned Kenyan scholar. Prof. Patrice L.O Lumumba, and several others who would give their perspectives on the theme.
Giving a background to the choice of the theme, Oduekun said Nigeria as the 4th largest economy in Africa stands at a decisive crossroads at the moment, requiring decisive intervention to chart the way forward.
She said that despite its abundant human and natural endowments, Nigeria has continued to grapple with rising poverty levels, weak institutions, and uneven economic opportunities.
“The time has come to examine why the cycle persists and how deliberate policies on innovation, and governance reforms can lift millions out of multidimensional poverty. This colloquium seeks to confront these issues head-on with data-driven dialogue and actionable ideas,” she said.
“The theme is particularly timely as Africa navigates a changing global economic landscape marked by shifting trade flows, climate imperatives, and digital disruptions. Nigeria’s leadership, if re-energised with a clear national vision and inclusive strategy, could set the pace for Africa’s transformation — moving from aid dependence to productive prosperity.
“Breaking the Cycle” therefore challenges policymakers, private sector actors, and citizens alike to re-imagine Nigeria’s role in leading Africa’s march toward shared wealth and sustainable growth,” she added.
Giving further details on the Colloquium, Oduekun said it would be broken into four major thematic pillars that would define Africa’s journey from poverty to prosperity.
These include Economic Transformation – From consumption to production, agriculture, and sustainable financing models as well as Governance & Institutions – Building integrity, continuity, and accountability in public leadership.
Others include Technology & Innovation – Leveraging AI and digital tools to accelerate inclusive growth as well as Security & Sustainability – Addressing insecurity, climate resilience, and the transition to a green economy.
Oduekun disclosed that the Foundation would also launch an essay competition this year for students in three categories, including Postgraduate that would attract a ₦1m Grand Prize; Undergraduate– ₦750,000 Grand Prize, and Secondary School – ₦500,000 Grand Prize
The convener of the colloquium and a renowned economist, Dr. Paul Alaje, said during its maiden edition, former President Obasanjo raised serious concerns about the insecurity in the country, which has today become a major issue for the natio’s economy.
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Alaje said the colloquium had advised the federal government and the monetary authorities not to allow the local currency to continue on a free float, rather recommended a managed float.
He said he was delightee that the government and the monetary authorities heeded the advice of the Colloquium, which has been the main reason the economy, especially the Naira, is experiencing some level of stability.
On the current threat by the United States’ President, Donald Trump, to order a military intervention to resolve the insecurity in the country, Dr Alaje urged the federal government to adopt a calculated diplomatic approach to avoid handle the sensitive situation.
Arguing that any military intervention at this time would upset the fragile macroeconomic stability achieved so far, adding that the fall in stock market value on Monday in the wake of Trump’s threat was an important wake up cal for the government to tread with utmost caution.
