By Abiodun Abegunde
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel says it is geared to examine challenges facing Nigeria’s economy, politics, oil and gas sector.
Mrs Vivian Ihechu, the Chairman, 2026 NUJ-NAN Lagos Press Week Committee, said that there was the need to examine political influences on investment, policy stability, energy security and economic growth in the oil and gas sector.
Ihechu said in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, that the chapel would assemble stakeholders comprising experts and representatives from the energy, economy, finance, politics, security and media to examine the industry’s relations to other sectors.
She said that the symposium, tagged: the 2026 Annual Strategic Public Lecture/Symposium, would hold on Sept. 23, at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Complex, Eko Club Close, off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos.
The theme of the event is: “2027 and Nigeria’s Future: Impact of Politics on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry and Economy – The Role of the Media.”
The committee’s chairman stressed the importance of the media in providing accurate and balanced coverage to inform public discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
She expressed optimism that the symposium would deepen journalists’ understanding of the sector and promote informed, fact-based reporting during the election period.
Also Mr Adeyemi Adeleye, Secretary of the Press Week Committee, said that the symposium would provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to challenges confronting the sector.
Adeleye said that the forum would also encourage constructive engagement among political, economic and energy stakeholders.
He said that Dr Kola Adesina, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group Ltd., would chair the symposium, drawing on his experience in the energy sector.
Adeleye said that the Special Guest, Dr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, would outline the agency’s plans for expanding electricity access and alternative power solutions in rural communities.
He said that industry experts expected at the event included Mr Ademola Henry Adigun, a former Team Leader, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office-funded Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER), and Dr Joseph Nwakwue, Chief Executive Officer of Zera Advisory and Consulting.
According to him, the experts will provide insights into policy, technical operations and regulatory matters affecting the industry.
He said that Mr Edu Inyang, the National President, Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers, would address domestic gas development and cleaner energy access.
Adeleye added that a Partner at Bloomfield Law Practice, Dr Ayodele Oni, would provide legal perspectives, while Dr Akinrolabu Ayoola, lecturer and political leader at Oriade Local Council Development Area, would represent the political dimension.
He said that the financial sector would be represented by Dr Ken Opara of Fidelity Bank Plc, while Mr Oliver Alawuba, Chairman, Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers would discuss the relationship between political stability and investment.
Adeleye said that security issues would be examined by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, with focus on the impact of security on business confidence and economic activities.
He said that media’s responsibilities would also feature prominently, with a panel comprising editors and publishers from various media organisations.
The panelists would include Mr Sopuruchi Onwuka of Champion Newspapers, Mr Adewale Sanyaolu of The Sun Newspapers; Mr Emeka Ugwuanyi of TBI Africa; Mr Sola Bello of Business Standard, and Mr Victor Oriola of NewsNowonline.
According to him, the panel will examine the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He encouraged stakeholders, particularly media practitioners, to use the platform to promote constructive dialogue on energy security and economic development.
Adeleye said that the symposium was expected to attract journalists, energy professionals, policymakers, business leaders, political figures and members of the diplomatic corps. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Florence Onuegbu
