Shettima, Jonathan, Osinbajo To Attend Ex-Finance Minister’s Book Launch

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima; former president Goodluck Jonathan and former vice president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo are some of the top dignitaries expected to attend the launch of a book co-authored by former finance minister, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, which dwells on, among other things, the impediments to growth and development in emerging economies.

Besides serving as minister of Finance between 2007 and 2009, Usman was minister of National Planning between 2009 and 2013; deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007; and pioneer DG of TCPC (now known as BPE), among other positions he has held.

The book titled, “Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World” is a unique publication on both the impetus for, and impediments to growth and development in emerging economies.

Chairman, media subcommittee of the book launch, Etim Etim, said the event will be held on September 26 at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Etim, in a statement, added that the book provides a fascinating and penetrating insight into the workings of government and the boardroom, in terms of policy formulation and implementation, economic management as well as the overall growth paradigm in the developing world, with Nigeria as a case study.

“It is also an account of the interactions between the government, its agencies and the private sector and how such engagements impact national growth, investments and the overall performance of the economy.”

The statement added that the book will be a veritable reference material for policymakers, technocrats, business leaders and public officials on the workings of government and governance and the tradeoffs they have to make in designing and implementing public policy.

“It is without doubt a go-to publication for universities; public and home libraries and for students, academics and public and private sector officials.”

The statement further said other contributors to the book are experts in their own fields, carefully selected, based on their impressive records in the public and private sectors, to share their experiences in key areas of policy making and development.

It said their unique contributions helped to broaden the book’s scope and impact, and give it its unique character and flavour.

“The high-profile event will also witness the formal unveiling of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation (SUF) founded and registered by his children in his honour and dedicated to the promotion of education in the country.

“The foundation’s mission is to create a collaborative that empowers individuals, corporates, researchers and students to explore and develop advanced AI and technological solutions for real-world challenges. Its signature project is the establishment of an AI and Technology Development Centre whose main focus will be skills development, innovation and economic development. The foundation will be formally introduced at the event.”

The proceeds of the book launch would be used to support the activities of the foundation.

“We are expecting the cream of the society in large number to come together to honour Dr Usman, who is one of the nation’s most respected elder statesmen for his meritorious service to our fatherland”, said Sadiq Usman, the Chairman of the Planning Committee.

Besides Vice President Kashim Shetima, who will be the special guest of Honour; former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will be the chairman of the occasion; while former vice president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will also be present. Other dignitaries expected at the event are former and current state governors, senators, and other senior political leaders.

Also expected are some first-class traditional rulers, iconic personalities, media executives, and industry chiefs.