Political Communication: BON, NEDG, NESG To Organise Presidential Debate On Economic Policy
The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), alongside the Nigerian Elections Debates Group (NEDG) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) are collaborating to organise a Presidential Debate on economic policy ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
The debate which will serve as a launch pad to discuss the roadmap to an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria will hold on November 15, 2022.
In a press statement jointly signed by Asue Ighodalo, chairman of NESG, and John Ugbe, chairman of NEDG/BON, revealed that the debate on economic policy seeks to curate content that focuses on the state of the economy and addresses the citizens’ concerns.
It said the process will also empower the citizens to choose among the presidential candidates and other leadership positions scheduled for the February 2023 national polls.
“Nigeria is at a decisive point in its history, and as we count down to the 2023 polls, it is critical, like never before, to nudge Nigerians towards making informed voting choices,” the statement said.
“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,” it said.
The statement said the upcoming debate is also unique because of a formidable partnership across the media, civil society, and academia.
Also, the debate coming up in November is part of its #IfNotNowWhen? Initiative. #IfNotNowWhen is geared towards sensitising stakeholders and citizens of Nigeria on peaceful, informed, and accountable democratic participation.
Other organisations supporting the move include the 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).