ECI@25 | Newark, NJ | Sept 18-21, 2025

Meet our distinguished guests

Featured Speakers

Join us for inspiring presentations from visionary leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are shaping the future of our communities and the world.

Keynote Speakers

Our distinguished keynote speakers bring decades of leadership experience and visionary insights to ECI@25.

His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Biography

His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2023. A distinguished statesman, political leader, and former Governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu brings decades of transformative leadership experience to the highest office in Nigeria.

Born on March 29, 1952, President Tinubu holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States. His educational background in business and finance has been instrumental in shaping his approach to governance and economic development throughout his political career.

Key Achievements

  • Transformed Lagos State into Nigeria's economic hub as Governor
  • Pioneered innovative revenue generation strategies in Lagos
  • Key architect of Nigeria's democratic consolidation
  • Instrumental in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • Mentored numerous successful political leaders
  • Champion of federalism and state autonomy

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session - Keynote
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Nigeria and the New African Economy: A Diaspora-Driven Blueprint

His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Executive Governor, Lagos State

Biography

His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2019. A seasoned administrator and technocrat, Governor Sanwo-Olu has brought a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors to his role as the chief executive of Nigeria's commercial capital.

Born on June 25, 1965, in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School Senior Management Programme and Harvard Business School.

Key Achievements

  • Led Lagos State's digital transformation initiatives
  • Implemented comprehensive COVID-19 response strategy
  • Advanced the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda
  • Improved ease of doing business rankings for Lagos
  • Championed sustainable urban development projects

Speaking Sessions

Fireside Chat
Thursday, Sept 18 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lagos: Africa's Gateway for Diaspora Partnerships and Global Growth

Dr. Tunji Alausa

Dr. Tunji Alausa

Hon. Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Biography

Dr. Tunji Alausa serves as the Honourable Minister of Education for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bringing extensive experience in healthcare, education, and public administration to his role. A medical doctor by training and an accomplished administrator, Dr. Alausa has dedicated his career to improving Nigeria's human capital development through strategic policy implementation and institutional reforms.

Dr. Alausa holds a medical degree and has pursued advanced studies in public health and administration. His multidisciplinary background has equipped him with unique insights into the intersection of health, education, and social development, making him particularly effective in addressing Nigeria's complex educational challenges.

Key Achievements

  • Implemented comprehensive healthcare reforms as Lagos State Commissioner
  • Pioneered innovative school health programs
  • Advanced teacher training and development initiatives
  • Promoted STEM education and technical skills development
  • Strengthened educational infrastructure development
  • Enhanced collaboration between federal and state educational systems

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session - Special Address
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Education as the Foundation for Africa's Future

Mr. Olayemi Cardoso

Mr. Olayemi Cardoso

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

Biography

Mr. Olayemi Cardoso serves as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), bringing over three decades of distinguished experience in banking, finance, and economic policy to Nigeria's apex bank. A seasoned financial expert and former investment banker, Governor Cardoso has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria's monetary policy and financial sector development.

Governor Cardoso holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. His educational background in economics and business administration, combined with extensive international experience, has equipped him with the expertise necessary to navigate Nigeria's complex economic challenges.

Key Achievements

  • Led major financial institutions as Managing Director
  • Implemented strategic monetary policy reforms
  • Advanced financial inclusion initiatives across Nigeria
  • Strengthened Nigeria's payment system infrastructure
  • Promoted digital financial services adoption
  • Enhanced central bank transparency and communication

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session - Panel
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Central bank perspective on Nigeria's economic outlook and monetary policy

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D.

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D.

Speaker, Federal House of Representatives

Biography

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., serves as the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria, bringing extensive legislative experience and academic expertise to the leadership of Nigeria's lower chamber of parliament. A distinguished legislator, academic, and public administrator, Speaker Abbas has been at the forefront of Nigeria's legislative development and democratic consolidation.

Dr. Abbas holds a Ph.D. and has combined his academic background with practical legislative experience to become one of Nigeria's most respected parliamentary leaders. His educational achievements and scholarly approach to legislation have contributed significantly to the quality of legislative discourse and policy development in Nigeria.

Key Achievements

  • Multiple terms as distinguished House of Representatives member
  • Advanced legislative modernization and transparency initiatives
  • Strengthened parliamentary oversight and accountability mechanisms
  • Enhanced constituency representation and engagement
  • Promoted evidence-based legislation and policy development
  • Fostered inter-governmental collaboration and cooperation

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Parliamentary perspective on Nigeria's democratic development and legislative priorities

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate

Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Biography

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate serves as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bringing extensive global health expertise and policy leadership to Nigeria's healthcare transformation agenda. A distinguished physician, public health expert, and former World Bank executive, Professor Pate has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes and social welfare systems globally.

Professor Pate holds medical and public health degrees and has pursued advanced studies in health policy and management at leading international institutions. His academic background, combined with extensive field experience in global health, has positioned him as one of the world's leading experts in health systems strengthening and development.

Key Achievements

  • Led global health initiatives at the World Bank
  • Developed Nigeria's National Health Act and Basic Health Care Provision Fund
  • Advanced universal health coverage initiatives
  • Strengthened primary healthcare systems across Nigeria
  • Promoted health workforce development and capacity building
  • Enhanced health security and emergency preparedness

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Ministerial address on Nigeria's health sector reforms and social welfare integration

Prof. Emmanuel Akin Abayomi

Prof. Emmanuel Akin Abayomi

Hon. Commissioner for Health, Lagos State

Biography

Prof. Emmanuel Akin Abayomi serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, bringing extensive medical expertise and healthcare administration experience to Lagos State's health sector transformation. A distinguished physician, academic, and healthcare leader, Professor Abayomi has been instrumental in positioning Lagos State as a leader in healthcare delivery and innovation in Nigeria.

Professor Abayomi holds medical degrees and advanced qualifications in his medical specialty, with additional training in healthcare management and administration. His academic background and clinical experience have provided him with comprehensive understanding of both the technical and administrative aspects of healthcare delivery.

Key Achievements

  • Led Lagos State's exemplary COVID-19 pandemic response
  • Advanced healthcare infrastructure development across Lagos
  • Strengthened primary healthcare delivery systems
  • Promoted health technology adoption and innovation
  • Enhanced medical education and healthcare workforce development
  • Improved health emergency preparedness and response capabilities

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

State perspective on healthcare delivery, innovation, and public health leadership

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly

Biography

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa serves as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, bringing extensive legislative experience and parliamentary leadership to Lagos State's legislative arm of government. A seasoned legislator and democratic leader, Speaker Obasa has been instrumental in strengthening Lagos State's legislative institutions and advancing the state's development agenda through effective legislation.

Speaker Obasa has served multiple terms in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing his constituency with distinction while contributing significantly to the state's legislative development. His extensive experience in parliamentary procedures, legislative drafting, and constituency representation has made him one of Nigeria's most respected state-level legislative leaders.

Key Achievements

  • Multiple terms of distinguished service in Lagos State House of Assembly
  • Advanced legislative modernization and institutional strengthening
  • Passed landmark legislation supporting Lagos State development
  • Strengthened legislative oversight and accountability mechanisms
  • Enhanced public engagement with the legislative process
  • Fostered effective inter-governmental collaboration

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

State legislative perspective on governance, development, and democratic institutions

Hon. Olatunbosun Alake

Hon. Olatunbosun Alake

Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State

Biography

Hon. Olatunbosun Alake serves as the Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology in Lagos State, where he has been instrumental in positioning Lagos as Nigeria's technology and innovation hub. With over two decades of experience in technology, business development, and public administration, Commissioner Alake brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership to his role.

A graduate of Computer Science from the University of Lagos, Commissioner Alake holds advanced degrees in Information Technology Management and has completed executive programs at leading international institutions. His academic background, combined with extensive industry experience, has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive technological advancement in Lagos State.

Key Achievements

  • Launched Lagos State digital identity platform
  • Established technology incubation centers across Lagos
  • Led smart city transformation initiatives
  • Developed comprehensive e-governance framework
  • Promoted digital literacy programs statewide
  • Attracted major tech investments to Lagos

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Exploring how technology and innovation drive economic growth and development

Kayode Opeifa

Kayode Opeifa

Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation

Biography

Kayode Opeifa serves as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), bringing extensive experience in transportation management, infrastructure development, and public administration to Nigeria's railway modernization efforts. A seasoned transportation expert and administrator, Opeifa has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria's rail infrastructure development and improving railway services across the country.

Opeifa holds advanced degrees in transportation and logistics management and has pursued specialized training in railway operations and infrastructure development. His educational background and professional experience have equipped him with comprehensive understanding of modern railway systems and their role in national economic development.

Key Achievements

  • Led comprehensive transportation reforms in Lagos State
  • Advanced Nigeria's railway infrastructure modernization
  • Improved railway safety standards and service delivery
  • Expanded railway network connectivity across Nigeria
  • Promoted public-private partnerships in railway development
  • Enhanced railway workforce capacity and technical capabilities

Speaking Sessions

Economic Session - Dialogue
Friday, Sept 19 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Nigerian Railway Corporation: Transportation as Catalyst for Growth

Dr. Dele Alake

Dr. Dele Alake

Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Biography

Dr. Dele Alake serves as the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bringing extensive experience in mining engineering, geological sciences, and natural resources management to Nigeria's solid minerals sector development. A distinguished mining engineer and policy expert, Dr. Alake has dedicated his career to unlocking Nigeria's vast mineral wealth and positioning the solid minerals sector as a key pillar of economic diversification.

Dr. Alake holds advanced degrees in Mining Engineering and Geological Sciences from leading institutions, with additional qualifications in natural resources management and sustainable mining practices. His academic background and technical expertise have equipped him with comprehensive understanding of modern mining technologies, environmental sustainability, and the economic potential of Nigeria's mineral resources.

Key Achievements

  • Led comprehensive solid minerals sector reforms and policy development
  • Attracted significant foreign direct investment to Nigeria's mining sector
  • Implemented artisanal mining formalization programs across Nigeria
  • Developed strategic partnerships with international mining companies
  • Advanced sustainable mining practices and environmental compliance
  • Promoted local content development and mineral processing capabilities

Speaking Sessions

Town Hall Meeting: 'Solid Minerals as Nigeria's Next Economic Frontier'
Friday, Sept 19 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Exploring the transformative potential of Nigeria's solid minerals sector for economic diversification and growth

Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun

Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun

Hon. Commissioner for Education, Lagos State

Biography

Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, bringing extensive experience in educational administration, policy development, and institutional management to Lagos State's education sector transformation. A distinguished educational administrator and policy expert, Commissioner Alli-Balogun has been instrumental in advancing educational excellence and innovation across Lagos State's educational institutions.

Commissioner Alli-Balogun holds advanced degrees in Education and Educational Administration from reputable institutions, with additional qualifications in educational policy and management. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with comprehensive understanding of modern educational systems, curriculum development, and the strategic management of large-scale educational institutions.

Key Achievements

  • Led comprehensive educational reforms across Lagos State school system
  • Implemented innovative digital learning initiatives and technology integration
  • Advanced teacher professional development and capacity building programs
  • Modernized educational infrastructure and learning environments
  • Promoted STEM education and vocational training programs
  • Enhanced educational equity and access for underserved communities

Speaking Sessions

General Session 2 – Policy Roundtable
Saturday, Sept 20 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Educational policy perspectives on human capital development and institutional excellence

Don't Miss These Inspiring Sessions

Join us for three days of transformative discussions, networking, and learning from some of the most influential leaders of our time.