NDFF 2024 conference to explore sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s economic,social welfare

• Ali Pate to deliver keynote address on transforming Nigeria’s population health

   Joy Agwunobi

In a move to catalyse economic growth and drive positive social change, the Nigeria Development and Finance Forum (NDFF) is set to convene a two-day conference to be held on May 8th and 9th, 2024 at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. 

The conference will bring together leaders from all sectors of society to discuss how to best position Nigeria for success in the coming years. With the theme “The Road to Economic and Social Welfare Transformation,” the conference will explore the many factors that must be addressed to achieve broad-based growth, including the need for reforms in the areas of governance, infrastructure, human capital, and access to finance.

Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, is set to deliver a keynote address at the NDFF Conference, titled “Transforming Nigeria’s Population Health: Leveraging Policy, Market, and Social Action.” A renowned economist and public health expert, Pate will share his insights on the importance of investing in health and social welfare to accelerate economic growth and development. 

In his keynote address, Muhammad Ali Pate will explore the concept of population health, a holistic approach to improving health and well-being that goes beyond just treating disease. Rather, population health recognizes that health is shaped by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors, such as education, employment, housing, and transportation. 

Pate expressed his excitement at the opportunity to participate in the NDFF Conference and share his thoughts on population health. He stated that the topic of his keynote address aligned with the goals of the Nigerian government’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 said. 

The minister highlighted the need for an efficient and equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of all Nigerians, regardless of their ability to pay. He stressed that this will require more than just good policies and strong leadership; it will also require strategic investments in the essential building blocks of the healthcare system. 

The confirmation of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as a keynote speaker at the NDFF Conference was hailed by Jide Akintunde, CEO of Financial Nigeria International and convener of the conference. Akintunde emphasized that the participation of such a prominent figure in the healthcare sector will provide valuable insights for the conference, which aims to bring together leaders from across sectors to promote fiscal reform, monetary stability, and social welfare in Nigeria. He added that this would ultimately help to achieve sustainable economic progress for the country.

According to Akintunde, the conference is an ideal venue for in-depth discussions and analysis of the economic and social challenges facing the country. In addition to the keynote address, the conference will also feature a panel discussion with policymakers, financiers, and leaders in healthcare product manufacturing and distribution. These experts will discuss the challenges facing the health sector in Nigeria and explore practical solutions to improve access to quality healthcare. The conference will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in a productive and collaborative dialogue aimed at finding solutions to these challenges.

The panelists at the NDFF Conference will not only discuss the challenges facing the health sector, but also highlight potential investment opportunities that can support innovation and improve population health in Nigeria. According to Akintunde, this is an important aspect of the conference, as it will encourage dialogue and collaboration between different stakeholders in the healthcare sector.