The organisers of Nigeria Development and Finance Forum, NDFF, 2024 conference, scheduled to hold in May in Abuja has announced Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, as keynote speakers for the high-level gathering of public, private, social, and international sectors leaders.

Chief Executive Officer of Financial Nigeria International and Convener of NDFF, Jide Akintunde, said the confirmation of Professor Pate as a keynote speaker is a mark of progress as the Planning Group for the conference aims to bring together leaders who are critical to the objective of fostering fiscal reform, monetary stability, and social welfare towards achieving sustainable economic progress in Nigeria.

He said the theme of this year’s conference is “The Road to Economic and Social Welfare Transformation,” and it aims to provide a strong backing for a holistic and transformative reform agenda for the Nigerian economy.

Akintunde noted that Prof Pate will be speaking on the subject, “Transforming Nigeria’s Population Health: Crowding in Policy, Market, and Social Actions.”

According to the Convener, “The ultimate goal of economic policy, either fiscal or monetary, is to enhance the welfare of citizens. Similarly, the goal of health policy is to enhance the wellness of citizens and make them productive. This insight is reflected in both the naming of the ministry and the appointment of a public health specialist with a global leadership experience in healthcare financing as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.”

“Professor Ali Pate’s keynote speech will x-ray the concept of population health, which encompasses not only the elimination of diseases, but also the intersecting factors that influence health, including social and economic equity.

A subsequent panel session will see policymakers, financiers, and leaders of healthcare product manufacturing and distribution dissect the challenges of the health sector, proffer practical solutions, and highlight investment opportunities to support innovation and a momentous improvement in Nigeria’s population health,” Akintunde added.

Confirming his decision to participate at NDFF 2024 Conference to the Planning Group of the conference, the minister said: “The topic of my keynote speech is in line with our vision and approach for Nigeria’s health sector renewal. The goal of health policy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu is to improve governance, provide efficient and equitable access to quality health services, drive investment in healthcare value chains, and enhance health security for all Nigerians.”

He added: “Building an efficient healthcare system that responds to the needs of all citizens requires not only strong policies and effective leadership, but also strategic and coherent investments in the various building blocks that make up the healthcare system. As a government, we are committed to stimulating the sustainable production of health products, making the domestic markets more accessible for demand, and strengthening supply chains.”

With an impressive line-up of speakers and panelists, including accomplished Nigerians across the public, private, and social sectors, and notable international figures in the field of development economics and sustainability, NDFF 2024 Conference will provide a major platform of support for Nigeria’s economic transformation and serve as a structured interface between senior government officials and industry leaders, civil society leaders, academics, and leaders of international institutions.