The maiden edition of the “Handshake Across Nigeria,” summit has been scheduled for November 19, 2018.
President Muhammadu Buhari and former vice president Atiku Abubakar are among the dignitaries expected at the summit.
Themed: “Nigeria Beyond Oil,” the summit is being put together by Nzuko Umunna in collaboration with the Core Federalists.
A statement signed by Mr. Yinka Odumakin, secretary of the Nzuko Umunna said that the summit will hold in Lagos.
According to him, the summit is being organised to fulfill the yearnings of leaders of thought and Nigerians from various regions, for a comprehensive approach, to encourage a conducive and viable political and economic development in Nigeria.
“The summit is geared at encouraging full participation by all thought leaders, political parties, civil society groups, socio-cultural organisations, and all Nigerians.
“It is aimed at bringing together, the various thought leaders of the component regions, to articulate progressive ideas, which could foster national integration especially as the country approaches its 2019 elections.
“The summit is also expected to avail an opportunity for thought leaders and socio-cultural organisations, to constructively interrogate the presidential candidates of the selected political parties, on their plans, programmes, and policies, before the elections,” he explained.
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It is also the expectation of the organisers that the summit will elicit the perspectives of experts, regional and national leaders, political parties and their presidential candidates, on their willingness to initiate processes towards achieving a better Nigeria.
Other top Nigerians expected at the event include: Prof. Wole Soyinka as keynote speaker, Rtd. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu as Chairman and Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari as Co Chairman.
Others include: Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others.
