A former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, are among top economists expected to lead discussions on strategies for accelerating economic transformation and building a prosperous, resilient and inclusive African economy.

The leaders will participate in the second edition of the Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTT) Leadership Conference scheduled for November 3 in Abuja, where policymakers, business executives, financial experts and civil society representatives will examine practical approaches to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Adesina, who is also Executive Chairman of the Global Africa Investment Summit, will deliver the keynote address, while Sanusi and the Founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, will co-chair the conference.

The conference, under the theme; “Leadership for a Prosperous Future,” will focus on leadership choices, institutional reforms, technological innovations and investment opportunities required to translate Africa’s vast resources and potential into sustainable economic growth.

Discussions will also address emerging challenges, including the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, shifting global power dynamics, demographic changes and evolving economic realities.

Other expected participants include the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Dr Kanayo Awani; Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama; and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Gbenga Agboola.

A statement by the Conference Media Adviser, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, said deliberations would be anchored on three pillars: resilience, innovation and dynamism.

According to the statement, participants will explore strategies for strengthening African institutions, mobilising capital, improving productivity and expanding economic opportunities across the continent.

A major highlight of the conference will be its focus on artificial intelligence, including the launch of an AI report and an AI Virtual Centre, alongside an exhibition showcasing emerging technologies and their potential to transform Africa’s development.

The organisers said the gathering was designed to move beyond broad development aspirations by identifying practical actions and partnerships that could strengthen institutions, deepen productive capacity and promote inclusive economic growth.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by the quality of leadership and the choices its institutions and leaders make today,” the organisers said.

The conference, hosted by the Oxford Global Think Tank, founded by Ms Arunma Oteh, will hold at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception.

The Oxford Global Think Tank is an independent, non-governmental and non-partisan organisation that promotes research and dialogue on development, while supporting public and private sector leaders in exploring policy ideas and strengthening institutions.

The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned that only a transparent and credible election in 2027 can prevent conflict in Nigeria.

Mark stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on a pre-election fact-finding mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Head of Mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foe, said the mission was intended to assess the level of preparedness for the elections and the political atmosphere ahead of the polls.

While briefing the delegation, the ADC leadership expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) level of preparedness and commitment to delivering free and fair elections.

The party also alleged that the government has “captured” State institutions, including the judiciary and INEC, and raised concerns about threats of violence.

In his remarks, Mark said elections in Nigeria are critical to the stability of the West African region and would attract global attention.

“This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us understand that your mission is pursuant to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework. We are quite happy with this. But the best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that they are free, fair and transparent,” he said.

He said the ADC is committed to the peaceful conduct of elections before, during and after the polls but needs ECOWAS to insist on credible elections.

“We want the same thing—a peaceful and stable Nigeria and West Africa. This is why you must tell the Federal Government and INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into a needless crisis. This must form part of your early warning signals,” he said.

The Head of Mission, Bockarie Foe, promised to report the party’s concerns, as well as those of other stakeholders, to the regional body, while emphasising the importance of peace and stability in Nigeria to the entire region.

Other members of the ECOWAS mission included Francess Piage Alghali, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Julius Fofanah Sandy, representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee; and Segrine Mamadou, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division.

The statement was signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit will provide Tinubu an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for the country.

While in Makkah, the President will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the holy city, and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu will commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.