NEGF marks 9th anniversary, to honour veterans, retirees at 2026 lecture, awards
Stanley Ihedigbo
Nigerian Economic Growth Forum (NEGF-Initiatives Concepts) is set to mark its ninth anniversary with a lecture and awards ceremony focusing on economic growth, retirement sustainability and the welfare of veterans and retirees.
The anniversary event, which is being organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12 noon at Presken Hotels and Resorts Ltd., Alade Avenue, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
Themed “Life after retirement: Sustainability challenges and prospects,” the event is expected to attract policymakers, captains of industry, labour leaders, retired service chiefs, veterans, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
According to the organisers, the gathering will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory, pension reforms, retirement planning and national development, with particular attention to the welfare of citizens after active service.
Nine Years of Advocacy and Impact
Established in 2017, NEGF-Initiatives Concepts is a non-governmental organisation committed to economic advocacy, public enlightenment and policy dialogue.
Over the past nine years, the Forum said it has provided a platform for discussions on sustainable development, good governance, economic reforms and citizens’ welfare.
Through its media platforms, including the Global-Updates YouTube Channel, bi-monthly magazine and digital platforms, the organisation has continued to contribute to public discourse on economic policies, national development and service delivery.
The 2026 anniversary programme will feature a keynote lecture, goodwill messages and an awards ceremony to recognise individuals and institutions considered to have made outstanding contributions to national development, economic growth and public service.
The Founder and Convener of NEGF-Initiatives Concepts, Hon. Adisa Yusuf Olamilekan, said this year’s celebration would place particular emphasis on recognising prominent Nigerians and retirees from the military, paramilitary, civil service, academia and private sector.
“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 of life after service,” Olamilekan said.
Focus on veterans’ welfare
The Planning Committee said the event would also provide an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting retirees and veterans, including pension administration, economic security and sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
The organisers said the speakers would offer insights into national development, economic policies, pension administration and strategies for improving the welfare of retirees.
The Special Guest of Honour is Prince Adewale A. Adeyanju, Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The Keynote Speaker is Prince Oluwaseyi Adegoke Adeyemo, Chief Executive Officer, Kristo Media Nigeria Limited, while Dr. Hajia Bolanle Idaiyat Muse, Group Managing Director of Bomarah Group, will serve as the Mother of the Day.
The organisers expressed confidence that the wealth of experience and expertise of the personalities expected at the event would enrich discussions on retirement sustainability and provide practical perspectives on addressing the welfare of retirees and veterans.
Building an inclusive economy
NEGF-Initiatives Concepts said Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s development journey and the need to build an economy that rewards service, protects vulnerable citizens and promotes inter-generational prosperity.
The Forum noted that discussions around economic growth should extend beyond macroeconomic indicators to include the welfare and dignity of people who have contributed to the development of the country during their active years.
It therefore called on government agencies, corporate organisations, professional bodies, civil society organisations and members of the public to participate in the anniversary programme.
The organisation described the event as “a convergence of ideas for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” reaffirming its commitment to dialogue that promotes policy development, accountability, economic awareness and excellence in nation-building.
