By Seun Ibiyemi
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Business School is set to convene a three-day workshop aimed at developing practical strategies to accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable economic transformation through innovative governance, strategic leadership and institutional reform.
The workshop, scheduled for September 2 to 4, 2026, will be held under the theme, “Advancing Sustainable Economic Transformation: A Look at Innovative Governance and Strategic Leadership.”
The programme is expected to bring together academics, policymakers, business executives, development practitioners and other stakeholders to examine evidence-based approaches to building a more resilient, diversified, innovative and inclusive Nigerian economy.
According to the organisers, the workshop comes amid rapid technological change, environmental pressures, shifting global trade patterns and growing demands for structural reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Key areas of discussion will include economic diversification, institutional strengthening, innovation-led growth, human capital development, financial-sector deepening, regulatory reform and the role of effective leadership in achieving sustainable development.
The organisers said the focus would be on moving beyond policy discussions to actionable strategies capable of unlocking sustainable economic opportunities across different sectors and regions.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Dakuku Peterside, a turnaround management expert, leadership strategist and public policy professional.
Peterside is expected to examine the factors shaping economic prosperity and highlight key pillars for sustainable economic transformation, including innovative governance, strategic leadership, institutional reform and business process re-engineering.
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Professor Uche Uwaleke, described as Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market, will also speak on investment frameworks and the role of financial-sector deepening in financing sustainable economic transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Chike Princewill Chike, will serve as the chief host.
Other speakers expected at the event include Dr Victor Ugbem Oboh, Director of Monetary Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria; Professor Chidiebere Ugwu, Dean, Faculty of Computing, University of Port Harcourt; Dr Femi Oriyomi of Top Professional Solutions Inc.; and Dr Iyalla Harry of ICB Strategy Partners.
The programme will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions and interactive working groups, allowing participants to share experiences, examine emerging economic challenges and develop recommendations for government, businesses and development partners.
The organisers said the workshop is designed to strengthen collaboration among government, academia and the private sector while promoting innovation, investment, institutional effectiveness and inclusive economic growth.
In a statement signed by Professor Omiete Olulu-Briggs, the organisers said the event was expected to produce actionable ideas and strategic recommendations that could contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation and sustainable prosperity.
