Fresh from the just-concluded 2014 National Conference in Abuja, delegates from advertising and public relations and 14 other Professional Bodies Group (PBG), representing various sectors of the economy have called on the Federal Government to formulate a document that would ensure the country holds national conference at 10 years’ interval.

In a proposal sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and signed by the Chairman, Professional Bodies Group 2014 National Conference, Mr Segun Aina, the Group said in order to establish a framework for continually striving to evolve better and more inclusive Nigerian society, in which every citizen is a proud and committed stakeholder, an institutionalised National Conference Process is imperative. “This will remove the ‘now-or-never’ syndrome that characterises discussions at conferences, as issues not resolved at a particular conference can be reconsidered at a future conference. Institutionalisation of the Nigerian National Conference will provide a framework for securing systematic evolution of better and more inclusive Nigerian society.”

In a media statement made available to News Express, the former president, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Bunmi Oke, said: “Against this background, we of the Professional Bodies Group of the 2014 National Conference propose that the National Conference be convened by the President at 10-year intervals. To articulate the terms of reference of the National Conference, a National Conference Advisory Committee should be set up.”

Without prejudice to the findings of the Advisory Committee, she said that each National Conference should, among other things: Review implementation of the recommendations of a previous conference(s), similar to what was done by the 2012 Belgore Committee; review impact of the implemented recommendations with a view to sustaining, strengthening or reconsidering them as necessary, with regard to the state of the nation and the world at large; and identify and articulate new challenges , opportunities and consider any other pertinent matters.

Oke stated that the advisory committee should also be allowed to make recommendations to respond to new challenges and opportunities aimed at consolidating achievements, as well as striving for the creation of a more inclusive Nigerian society, in which every citizen is a proud and committed stakeholder.

On the growing relevance of professional bodies group in Nigeria, the chairman of the Group said that PBG in Nigeria have continued to contribute to nation-building and national development. “It is, therefore, important that governments at all levels should seek the input and contributions of these bodies on issues related to their areas of specialisation and, generally, issues of efficient, effective, equitable and inclusive national development.”

He said President Jonathan has led the way in this regard and, “we call on the leadership at state and local government levels, and ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to do the same, as they contribute to the realisation of this overarching national development aspiration.”

The Group frowned at the continuous patronage of foreign agencies against locals, even by the ministries, departments and agencies of government. Aina counselled: “To reduce capital flights and security risks posed by patronage of foreign professionals in executing major development projects, services and activities, the Professional Bodies Group strongly recommends the exclusive reliance on Nigerian registered professionals in our procurement procedures and rendition of professional services.”

The 16 professional bodies and their representatives include Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Segun Aina; Nigerian Economic Society, Olu Ajakaiye; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Senator, Kola Bajomo; Nigerian Institute of Architects, Waheed Niyi Brimmo; Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Emeka Eleh; Nigerian Medical Association, Osahon Enabulele; Nigerian Society of Engineers, Adefemi Kila; Nigerian Academy of Engineering, V. I. Maduka; Historical Society of Nigeria, Yakubu Ochefu.

Others are AAAN, Bunmi Oke; Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ezinwa Okoroafor; Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rotimi Oladele; Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Johnson Oluata; Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), Hauwa Shekarau; Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Nelson U. O. Uwaga; Nigerian Environmental Society, Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu.

•Photo shows Deputy Chairman, National Confab, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (left), AAAN Delegate Bunmi Oke (second left), Chairman PBG & Delegate CIN-Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (second right), Segun Aina, and Delegate NEC(Nigerian Economic Society), Olu Ajakaiye (right) during the PBG’s courtesy visit on the deputy chairman of the National Confab.

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