Why We Are Holding Debate On Poverty In UNILAG, By ASAP

• As Building Department Begins Annual Lecture Series

CO-CHAIR of the Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) West Africa, a not-for-profit organisation, Dr. Adepoju Tejumaiye, has said that the need to eradicate poverty and ensure due process in the polity was the reason behind a public debate scheduled to hold in University of Lagos, (UNILAG), Akoka, on Tuesday, February 27. 

     Besides, the Department of Building of the university, has concluded plans to hold the 10th edition of its yearly Project Management Lecture Series on Thursday, February 5 at the Multipurpose Hall A by 11am.

    Tejumaiye, who spoke with The Guardian at the weekend, stressed that being an election season, the timing of the event was strategic to deliberate on the need for due process in sourcing campaign funds in Nigeria amid widespread poverty.

     The statement came, as there have been reports in the media that ASAP is organising a one-day symposium on campaign funding in Lagos on Tuesday, January 27, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. 

    The symposium, which is billed to hold at the main auditorium of the university, is the maiden edition of ASAP public engagement. It is expected to bring together a crème of academics, human rights activists, development practitioners and public affairs commentators to debate the impact of corruption on development in Nigeria. 

   Professor Akin Oyebode will give the keynote. Other speakers include: Professor Thomas Pogge of the University of Yale, Mr. Femi Falana, Dr. Femi Aribisala, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, Alhaji Lai Mohammed of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his counterpart at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Olisa Metu.

     In a statement signed by the Head of Department of Building, UNILAG, Professor Godwin Idoro, it was disclosed that the lecture titled National Vision on Housing and Infrastructure: The role of Project Management, will be delivered by the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ASO Savings and Loans Plc., Mr. Hassan Usman. 

     Among the dignitaries expected are, the Minister of Housing, Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakenyi and the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen.