The 31st Annual LAPO Development Forum, 2024

Theme: Paradox of Poverty in a ‘Wealthy Nation’, Policy Issues &
Perspectives
Venue: Abuja, Nigeria (with virtual participation options)
Date: October, 2024
Guest Speaker: Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria
Tagline: Empowering Communities, Shaping the Future

Concept Paper

The Annual LAPO Development Forum was initiated in 1994 as a response to the growing need for a platform to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and sustainable development in Nigeria. The forum brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to share knowledge, ideas, and solutions to promote inclusive and sustainable development.

The 31^st edition of the Annual LAPO Development Forum, 2024, aims to delve into the paradox of poverty amidst wealth in Nigeria. The average Nigerian is a poor man. Nigeria is a nation of riches and poverty, wealth in the hands of few and extreme/abject poverty at the doorsteps of many. The divergence between Nigeria’s economic indicators, macroeconomic variables and the reality is a source of concern. The reality is that people die because they cannot afford three square meals a day as well as access basic public healthcare. As strange as this may sound, this goes on side-by-side with ostentatious display of wealth by the privileged few. This forum seeks to explore the underlying issues and various perspectives surrounding this complex phenomenon.

Poverty and SDGs

The first of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

This Forum will bring together leading policy makers and economic empowerment experts to discuss poverty reduction opportunities in order to help Nigeria unlock the economic potential for SDG implementation through Agriculture, SME, international trade, innovation and public-private partnerships.

The Forum will focus on the potential of trade and, particularly, agricultural trade to support SDG implementation with a focus on creating a more efficient, transparent and barrier-free trading environment. The Forum will also focus on innovation policy and the promotion of PPPs, and how they can contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Objectives

1. Analyze Poverty Dynamics: Investigate the multifaceted nature of poverty in Nigeria; uncover the structural, institutional, and systemic factors contributing to persistent poverty in Nigeria despite its economic potential, including the causes, manifestations, and trends over time.

2. Exploring Structural Challenges: 

Identify and address challenge of current generations for economic prosperity with the need to preserve our planet for future generations. The changes required to make our production and consumption patterns more sustainable have the potential to spawn new industries and to open up new opportunities for economic growth.

3. Explore Policy Failures: Assess the effectiveness of existing policies and interventions aimed at poverty alleviation, identifying gaps, shortcomings, and areas for improvement.

4. Promote Inclusive Development: Propose strategies to promote inclusive economic growth, ensuring that the benefits of Nigeria’s wealth are accessible to all segments of society, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.

5. Address Structural Inequities: Examine structural inequalities in education, healthcare, employment, and other key sectors, and develop strategies to dismantle barriers to upward mobility and social inclusion.

6. Engage Stakeholders: Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and communities to collectively address the complex challenges of poverty in Nigeria.

7. Foster Sustainable Solutions: Explore innovative approaches and best practices for sustainable poverty alleviation, emphasizing community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building initiatives.

8. Raise Awareness and Advocacy: Raise public awareness about the realities of poverty in Nigeria and advocate for policy reforms and investments that prioritize poverty reduction and social justice.

Methodology

The forum will feature a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking. Experts, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse sectors will be invited to share their insights, experiences, and best practices.

Expected Outcomes

1. Enhanced understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of poverty in Nigeria.

2. Identification of actionable strategies and policy recommendations to address poverty and promote inclusive development.

3. Strengthened partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders for effective poverty alleviation initiatives.

4. Increased public awareness and advocacy for sustainable development goals and poverty eradication.

Conclusion

The 2024 Annual LAPO  Development Forum presents a timely opportunity to critically examine the challenges of poverty in Nigeria within the context of its status as a “wealthy nation.” By bringing together key stakeholders and fostering dialogue, the forum aims to catalyze collective action towards building a more equitable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

Highlights of Past Editions of the Annual LAPO  Development Forum

30th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2023

29th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2022

28th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2021

27th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2020

26th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2019

25th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2018

24th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2017

23th LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2016

22nd LAPO  Annual Development Forum 2015

About LAPO  

Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) is a non-governmental and not for profit development organisation that is totally committed to the social, health and economic empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. LAPO was founded by Dr. Godwin Eseiwi Ehigiamusoe in 1987 while working as a Rural Cooperative Officer in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.

Over the years, the organisation has demonstrated uncommon commitment to poverty alleviation through the implementation of innovative credit and non-credit empowerment programmes targeting disadvantaged groups. LAPO programmes include gender sensitization aimed at reducing the level of gender inequity, social exclusion and health intervention, which include prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other tropical diseases.

Vision

The leading institution enabling prosperity,

excellent health and social justice in Africa

Our Mission

To use innovative approaches to provide financial, health and social services to stakeholders in a sustainable manner.

For further information on the Annual LAPO Development Forum, contact:

Honestus Ayobami Obadiora PhD
Executive Director.

Tel: 0806 6981901

James-Wisdom Abhulimen D.Sc                          Rosemary Okwuobi
Head, Programme & Communications           Manager, Health & Special Projects
Tel: 08163706505, 09059493989                           Tel: 08133994016