By Charles Okonji
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has announced the date for 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), as 4th edition of the Adeola Odutola annual lecture is scheduled to hold during the AGM.
The announcement was made by the President of the Association, Francis Meshioye, during a press conference in Lagos on Monday.
Meshioye stated that part of the activities lined up for the AGM includes Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition, which is expected to take place between 22nd and 24th of October, 2024 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Commenting on the AGM theme, “The Imperatives of an Intentional Development of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector,” he stated the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation, Mr. Samaila Zubairu, will speak to the theme at the 4th Odutola Annual Lecture as the distinguished guest speaker.
Meshioye declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be the Special Guest of Honour adding that he will be joined by ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, the diplomatic corps, colleagues in the organized private sector and other stakeholders’ to make the programme a huge success.
“The CEO of the government procurement agency and the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Olusegun Omotola, will declare the exhibition open, where more than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products with more than 10,000 visitors expected.
“Zubairu has been a champion of African value creation, job growth and industrialization, directing billions into transformative infrastructure over the past three decades.
“The activities for the 3-day event includes, opening ceremony of the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition scheduled for 10am on 22nd October.
“On the 23rd, the AGM Private Session, will be holding simultaneously with the exhibition and a value addition presentation by KPMG on embracing sustainable finance; as well as an awareness session on GEF-UNIDO & IEE RECP project.
“The 4th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon is scheduled for the third and final day, October 24, 2024 at 11am,” the MAN President stress da.
He pointed out that the choice of the theme for this year speaks volume about the direction and resolve of the association to birth a thriving manufacturing sector, saying that the high and rising cost environment continues to shrink profitability and in many cases threaten the existence of many operators in the critical sector of the economy.
“More worrisome is the fact that the sector that should propel job creation, productivity and economic growth is enmeshed with series of challenges that constantly limit its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.’
“As critical stakeholders in the Nigerian economy, we shall continue to play our role of presenting the government with policy inputs and options. We shall continue to partner with governments with a view to co-creating innovative solution that will free the Nigerian economy from its lackluster performance and place it on the path of productivity, sustainable growth and development.” Meshioye averred.
