By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is set to hold a presidential debate on economic policy on November 15, 2022.
NESG which disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the debate will be held in collaboration with the Nigerian Elections Debates group (NEDG).
According to the statement, the debate will also receive support from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), BudgIT and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).
The group said the presidential debate is to serve as a launch pad to discussions on the roadmap towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
It also said the objective of the debate is to ensure that critical decisions are made in electing transformational leaders, in addition to sensitizing Nigerians on informed and accountable democratic participation.
The statement further reads, “Nigeria is at a decisive point in its history, and as we countdown to the 2023 polls, it is critical, like never before, to nudge Nigerians towards making informed voting choices.
“The challenge before us, therefore, is to ensure the evolution of transformational leaders with a broad knowledge of the issues and the political will to steer the ship of our great nation towards shared economic prosperity. The partnership is strategic and will kick off the process of making this Nigerian dream happen.
“The debate, scheduled for November is part of the NESG’s #IfNotNowWhen? Initiative. #IfNotNowWhen is geared towards sensitising stakeholders and citizens of Nigeria on peaceful, informed and accountable democratic participation.
“The NEDG is poised to facilitate this effort, being a coalition of broadcast organisations, civil society and professional groups tasked with organising and hosting live televised debates for presidential, vice presidential and gubernatorial candidates since 1999.
“‘The presidential debate on economic policy seeks to curate content that focuses on the state of the economy and addresses the citizens’ concerns.
This process will empower them to choose among the presidential candidates and other leadership positions scheduled for the February national polls.
“This debate is also unique because of a formidable partnership across the media, civil society and academia”