Experts, stakeholders to discuss implications of N8.83trn 2019 budget at Covenant University

Temitope Adebayo

As the 2019 budget estimated at N8.83 trillion passed through second reading, experts, including other stakeholders will be discussing the sectoral implications of the national budget and its importance to inclusive growth at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state. Expected keynote speaker at the event next week is, the Director General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry (NACCIMA), Ambassador Ayoloola Olukanni. Other guest include Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Budget & Planning, Mr. Taiwo Adekunle; CEO/publisher, BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun; a professor of accounting, Francis Iyoha; CEO JR Farms, Olawale O. Rotimi and, a professor of economics, Isaiah Olurinola, among others highly placed experts in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy According to a statement, this discussion will be held in a roundtable and panel forum organised by the Covenant University’s Centre for Economic Policy & Development Research (CEPDeR). According to CEPDeR, the roundtable is in line with one of its main goals, which is to link economic & development research to policy & practice by contributing to evidence-based policy process in Nigeria, and part of many other engagements the university has fostered in recent past in a bid to connect the academia with industry. “CEPDeR, which was established in the University’s Department of Economics and Development Studies is primarily to provide innovative solutions to national challenges, as well as, drive evidence-based policy making in Nigeria,” said Evans Osabuohien, a professor of economics and the Chair, CEPDeR. “The situation of Nigeria, like many African countries, calls for a rethinking of the development paradigm. It actually requires the academia, policymakers and industry experts to interact more actively in addressing the multifaceted challenges. Furthermore, such interaction will ensure requisite steps are taken towards the realisation of the United Nations’ (SDGs) and Africa’s Unions 2063 Agenda, Osabuohien explained. The centre disclosed that the discussants will be examining different aspects of the possible impacts of the proposed 2019 national budget at the event themed “2019 Budget: Pertinent Issues and Sectoral Impacts” which will kick-off by 10am prompt at the University’s CUCRID Multipurpose Hall.