NEGF Marks 9th Anniversary, Sets Agenda for Retirement Sustainability and Economic Growth
The Nigerian Economic Growth Forum (NEGF-Initiatives Concepts) is set to mark its ninth anniversary with a lecture and awards ceremony focused on economic growth, retirement sustainability and the welfare of veterans and retirees across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The anniversary programme, scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, will be held at Presken Hotels and Resorts Ltd., Alade Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The event, with the theme, “Life After Retirement: Sustainability, Challenges and Prospects,” is expected to bring together policymakers, government officials, business leaders, professionals, civil society representatives, veterans, retirees and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s economic development and the welfare of citizens after retirement.
According to the organisers, the anniversary lecture is designed to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on retirement planning, pension reforms, economic sustainability, governance and the need to strengthen social protection systems for Nigerians who have dedicated their productive years to national service.
Established in 2017, NEGF-Initiatives Concepts is a non-governmental organisation committed to economic advocacy, public enlightenment, policy dialogue and the promotion of good governance and citizens’ welfare.
Over the past nine years, the organisation has provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and examine critical issues affecting Nigeria’s economy and national development.
Through its media platforms, including the Global-Updates YouTube Channel, Bi-Monthly Magazine and digital platforms, the Forum has continued to promote public discourse on economic reforms, governance, accountability, service delivery and sustainable development.
The 2026 anniversary celebration will feature a keynote lecture, expert discussions and an awards ceremony designed to recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions have positively impacted national development and public service.
The organisers announced that Pastor Charles Edike, a former Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), will deliver the keynote address at the event.
Also expected to play prominent roles at the ceremony is Dr. High Chief Michael O. Oborgu, Managing Director of Micura Services Limited, who will serve as Chairman of the Occasion.
Comptroller Ayo Caroline Ebunoluwa (Rtd.) will serve as Co-Keynote Speaker, while Hajia Bola Idaiyat Muse, Group Managing Director of Bomarah Group, has been designated as the Mother of the Day.
The organisers said the calibre of speakers and guests reflects the Forum’s determination to bring together experienced professionals and policymakers to examine practical solutions to the challenges confronting retirees and the wider Nigerian economy.
Founder and Convener of NEGF-Initiatives Concepts, Hon. Adisa Yusuf Olamilekan, said this year’s anniversary would place particular emphasis on retirees across the military, paramilitary services, civil service, academia and private sector.
According to him, the programme is intended not only to celebrate those who have served the country but also to create an avenue for discussing what happens to citizens after their active years of service.
“We are honouring those who have served the nation with diligence and retired with honour. We are also bringing serving high-ranking appointees to the table to discuss the future,” Adisa said.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that retirement does not become a period of hardship for Nigerians who contributed significantly to the development of the country during their working years.
The anniversary lecture is expected to examine the challenges facing retirees, including pension administration, delayed benefits, healthcare, financial security and opportunities for productive engagement after retirement.
Speakers are also expected to discuss broader economic policies and reforms capable of promoting sustainable national growth while improving the quality of life of vulnerable citizens.
The organisers said the experience and expertise of retired public servants and professionals remained valuable assets that could still contribute to national development if properly harnessed.
“Their wealth of experience and deep knowledge will enrich discussions on how best to address retirees’ welfare and chart the way forward for Nigeria,” the organisers stated.
They added that Nigeria’s 66th year of independence should provide an opportunity for renewed reflection on how to build an economy that is more inclusive, productive and capable of rewarding citizens who have contributed to national development.
NEGF-Initiatives Concepts further emphasised the need for stronger policies that would protect retirees and vulnerable Nigerians while promoting inter-generational prosperity.
The Forum maintained that economic growth should go beyond statistics and macroeconomic indicators to include improvements in citizens’ welfare, employment opportunities, social security, access to healthcare and financial stability in retirement.
It also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, civil society and professional organisations in developing sustainable solutions to retirement and economic challenges.
The organisation urged government agencies, corporate bodies, professional associations, civil society organisations and members of the public to participate in the anniversary programme.
The Forum described the event as “a convergence of ideas for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” stressing that sustained dialogue among stakeholders remains essential to achieving meaningful national development.
As NEGF-Initiatives Concepts celebrates nine years of advocacy, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting policy dialogue, accountability, economic development and the recognition of individuals and institutions contributing to nation-building.
The anniversary lecture and awards, according to the organisers, will therefore serve as both a celebration of past achievements and an opportunity to develop fresh ideas for a more sustainable economic future for Nigeria.
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