Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has congratulated the Business Journal Media Group on its 15th anniversary. The prominent Nigerian economist and former Finance Minister praised the media group’s commitment to discussing major socio-economic opportunities in Nigeria post the 2023 elections.
According to a statement, in a formal communication addressed to Prince Cookey, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Dr. Okonjo Iweala expressed her regrets for being unable to attend the anniversary lecture due to conflicting engagements. She said, “I wish you a very successful event and look forward to engaging in the future.”
Prince Cookey, in response, commended Dr. Okonjo Iweala for her response to the invitation and considered it an honour and a challenge to uphold the reputation of Business Journal in the Nigerian media landscape. He attributed the media group’s success over the past 15 years to vision, professionalism, enterprise and perseverance.
The 15th-anniversary lecture, themed ‘Nigeria: The Economic Outlook Today & Tomorrow,’ is set to be chaired by Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Dr. Biodun Adedipe, a renowned economist and financial expert, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Distinguished guests for the event include Mr. O.S. Thomas, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). Mr. Tope Smart, Group Managing Director/CEO of NEM Insurance Plc, will be the Guest of Honour, while the Guest Speakers include Professor Anthony Kila, Director of CIAPS Lagos; Dr. Bode Oguntoke, Group Head of Audit at FBN Holdings Plc; Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited; and Mrs. Thaibat Adeniran, Managing Director/CEO of Hilal Takaful Nigeria Limited.
Prince Cookey hinted at more distinguished personalities who will be unveiled in due course as attendees of the Business Journal 15th Anniversary Lecture.
The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, starting at 10 am. It promises to be a significant gathering of thought leaders and experts in the Nigerian business and economic landscape.