BY Peter Adelowo
Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, has called on Nigerians to protect and strengthen the country’s local markets as a key strategy for economic recovery and development.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Conference of the Forum held in Abuja, Senator Anyim emphasized that no economy can thrive without deliberate efforts to safeguard its domestic production base.
“There is no gainsaying that every successful local productive economy not only enjoys policy protection but also operates within a competitive production environment,” he said. “If we must expect a quick turnaround in local production, we must protect our markets and enhance our operating environment.”
Senator Anyim noted that Nigeria’s national institutions and sense of patriotism have been severely weakened over time, warning that there is no quick fix to the nation’s economic challenges.
“We must accept that there is no magic that can reverse our economic weakness overnight,” he stated. “It would be misleading for anyone to think it is a simple task to reverse our economic misfortunes.”
He called for concerted efforts by both leaders and citizens to recommit to a shared vision of national renewal built on patriotism and accountability.
“For any meaningful respite to be achieved in record time, we need the combined efforts of our leaders and the people to redirect our nation on the path of patriotism and national aspiration,” he said.
“Without this, no government’s industrial policy can succeed.”
The National Chairman of the Forum, Chris Akomas, emphasized that nation-building is not a sprint but a continuous process.
Akomas said the event was not just another gathering of minds but a reminder that the destiny of the nation rests not in the hands of a few, but in the collective resolve of all its citizens.
He described the conference as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical recommendations aimed at accelerating industrial productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring effective policy implementation.
“It is an opportunity for government, private sector leaders, innovators, and civil society to jointly explore strategies for national growth and development,” Akomas said.
He called for a grand coalition of purpose where leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility converge to drive sustainable progress.
“Our leaders must embody integrity and foresight; our industries must be productive and globally competitive; our innovators must be empowered to create solutions; and every citizen must embrace patriotism, discipline, and a shared vision for national development,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Forum, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, commended the unprecedented growth and development currently being recorded within the organization.
According to Ibe-Kalu, the Forum has never experienced such steady progress and robust advancement in all areas since its inception.
He noted that the group has also strengthened internal unity, leading to increased collaboration with serving Deputy Governors, who now serve as Associate Members and have been instrumental in supporting the Forum’s initiatives.
He further disclosed that the Forum has fulfilled one of the key resolutions from last year’s conference by establishing a Peer Review Group to monitor the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This, we believe, will help deepen our democracy and keep the leadership focused on achieving outcomes that truly reflect the aspirations of Nigerians,” Ibe-Kalu stated.
