ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse: Ekpo, Yusuf Tackle Wealth Paradox Nov 29

Two of Nigeria’s most respected economic minds will take centre stage at the sixth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. West Africa Time (WAT).

Emeritus Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo and Dr Muda Yusuf will serve as Distinguished Discussants for a conversation that seeks to unravel one of the most enduring contradictions of the Nigerian state: why a country so richly endowed continues to preside over widespread poverty and economic hardship.

The virtual discourse, themed “Nigeria’s Wealth Paradox: Why Does Abundance Coexist with Poverty?” , brings together the complementary perspectives of two economists whose careers have straddled the highest levels of academic scholarship, institutional leadership, private sector advocacy and public service.

THE DISCUSSANTS: TWO ECONOMISTS, TWO LENSES

Emeritus Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo is a distinguished economist, academic and public policy scholar whose career spans university administration, economic research, financial management and public service.

He is the first Emeritus Professor appointed by the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he previously served as Vice-Chancellor.

He also served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom University of Technology.

Between May 2009 and December 2018, he was Director-General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Lagos. His public service experience also includes service as a Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He currently chairs the Foundation for Economic Research and Training (FERT), Lagos.

His academic journey took him from Howard University, Washington, where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics, to Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and subsequently the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he earned his MA and PhD degrees in Economics in 1980 and 1983 respectively.

His undergraduate performance earned him a place on the Dean’s List throughout his studies, a full scholarship and the American Economic Association Fellowship in 1975 as the best honours student.

Dr Muda Yusuf is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), a policy think tank committed to promoting free enterprise, market-oriented reforms and an enabling business environment in Nigeria.

He is the immediate past Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where he served for over a decade, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in economic policy advocacy, business research and investment environment reform.

Throughout his career, Dr Yusuf has participated in major policy engagements relating to Nigeria’s economic and business environment, including foreign exchange, energy, telecommunications, ports, customs, trade policy and public-private partnerships.

He is widely respected for his insights into macroeconomic developments, institutional reforms and the regulatory environment of business.

He holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Applied Business Research from Swiss Business School, Switzerland. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, while his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics is from the University of Ilorin.

He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School Advanced Management Programme.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE CONVERSATION

The choice of the two economists brings together extensive experience in private sector development, economic policy advocacy, academic research, institutional leadership and public finance management.

While Dr Yusuf brings a private-sector perspective on the relationship between national wealth, productive investment, industrialisation, enterprise development and economic growth, Prof Ekpo offers the depth of academic scholarship, institutional leadership and experience in economic and financial policy.

Together, their contributions are expected to interrogate the structural, institutional, policy and governance failures that have constrained Nigeria’s capacity to transform its resource endowment into widespread prosperity.

Prof Ekpo’s participation is particularly significant in view of his longstanding position that economic growth figures alone cannot adequately measure the progress of a nation.

During his valedictory lecture at the University of Uyo in June 2024, titled “Nigeria: The Economics of Potentials and the Potentials in Economics,” he challenged the tendency to equate economic growth with genuine development.

He argued that a country could record impressive growth rates while a substantial proportion of its population remained unable to access the basic necessities of life.

For him, genuine development must go beyond growth statistics to encompass structural transformation, freedom, reduced inequality and improved human welfare.

THE WEALTH PARADOX

Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural land, considerable human capital and entrepreneurial talent.

Yet, decades after independence, millions of its citizens continue to contend with poverty, unemployment, rising living costs and limited economic opportunities.

The fundamental question remains: why has a country so richly blessed struggled to convert its enormous economic potential into improved living standards for the majority of its people?

That question forms the centrepiece of the forthcoming discourse.

Among the issues expected to feature prominently are natural resource management, public finance, economic diversification, investment, industrial productivity, unemployment, poverty, entrepreneurship, institutional accountability and the role of the private sector in national development.

The conversation will also examine the responsibilities of government, businesses and other stakeholders in creating an economy where national resources generate measurable benefits for ordinary citizens.

A NATIONAL CONVERSATION WITH GLOBAL RELEVANCE

The ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse brings together distinguished academics, policymakers, professionals and development practitioners to examine issues of national and international importance.

The sixth edition will explore the paradox of a resource-rich country struggling with widespread poverty and economic hardship.

The event will hold virtually via Zoom and YouTube, bringing together academics, economists, policymakers, business leaders, professionals, researchers, students, development practitioners, members of the diplomatic community and Nigerians in the diaspora.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the discussants, ask questions, share perspectives and contribute to the search for solutions to the country’s economic challenges.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Theme: Nigeria’s Wealth Paradox: Why Does Abundance Coexist with Poverty?

Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026.Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. WAT.

Venue: Virtual programme via Zoom.

Participation link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82272813503?pwd=PzcDTGM7Ay4CZV85LW9oU6DrpAxL8k.1

The Monthly Global Discourse holds every last Sunday of the month within the same time frame.

ABOUT VALIDVIEWNETWORK

ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse is a flagship intellectual engagement initiative of ValidViewNetwork, founded by Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi, FHEA, FFAN, an academic, environmental researcher, public affairs analyst, nature conservation advocate and media entrepreneur.

ValidViewNetwork is a multidisciplinary professional services organisation with interests in consultancy, media, advocacy, research and policy engagement.

Its vision is to promote a more informed and enlightened society through credible information, professional expertise, constructive public engagement and evidence-based interventions.

The organisation seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by bringing together experts, institutions, policymakers and members of the public to examine societal challenges and advance practical solutions.

The ValidViewNetwork Advisory Council is chaired by Mr Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the African Union of Journalists.