The annual public lecture of January 9th Collective, a socio-cultural group devoted to good governance and development in the society, holds on January 9.
However, due to the COVID-19 challenge, this year’s edition, with the theme: “Evolved Generation, Fresh Voices and The Pragmatic Next Step,” will be held as a hybrid event.
In a statement signed by the Captain of the club, Loye Amzat, speakers and panelists are drawn from across the world to talk on the theme via Zoom.
According to Amzat, there are two keynote speakers from the academia: Dr. Nenadi Adamu, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Bedfordshire, UK, and Prof. James Yeku from the University of Kansas, USA.
Both respected academics will present papers on the theme of the conference, which seeks to examine the role of youths, as an evolved generation, in nation building and the pragmatic steps required to make their voices heard.
The panel of discussants for the conference include the Centre Director of CIAPS, Lagos, Prof. Anthony Kika; popular columnist and publisher of The Cable, Simon Kolawole; and Lawyer and President, Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited, Oyinkansola “Foza” Fawehinmi.
Others are US-based public analyst, Jide Alara; former Banker, entrepreneur and politician, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin; and a student activist and Law student of the University of Kent, UK, Dara Apampa.
The statement added that the Royal Father of the Day will be the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, while Special Guests of Honour expected to deliver goodwill messages are Senior Special Assistant to the President on Education Intervention, Fela Bank-Olemoh; Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Akin Oyebode; and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology, Tubosun Alake.
The J9C captain explained that the lecture is one of the association’s contributions to national discourse through engagement and dialogue, adding that previous lectures had addressed issues ranging from education to taxation, small-scale enterprise and good governance.
J9C is an association of friends and professionals from diverse fields who came together in January 2012 against the background of the #Occupy Nigeria protests with a view to advancing common interests that would lead to national development.
The conference starts at 2pm West African Time.