The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, led the party’s National Workings Committee, (NWC) members to the unveiling of the newly established Think Tank and Resource Center of the party, The Progressive Institute (TPI).
Wale Abideen, Head, Media and Strategic Communication Unit, TPI, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja
According to him the centre was unveiled on Friday at Ladi kwali Hall of Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
”The APC National Chairman affirmed that the Institute would serve as the official Policy Think Tank of the Party and shall undertake research and advice the Party on the performance of policies and programs of all APC governments.
“It shall provide the platform for robust discussion between the Party, Nigeria’s Academic Community, the civil society and the media as part of a deliberate effort to promote inclusiveness and ownership.
“The essence is to enhance the policy capacity of the Party, especially to enable it to provide policy advice and suggestions for the consideration of Governments elected on its platform.
“Both functions are to enhance the Party’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate of leadership recruitment and setting broad policy agenda for governments elected on its platform through the Party manifesto and ideology.
“Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, this Event is also to formally announce that the Institute’s management has been constituted.
“I am proud to say that our Leadership has assembled some of Nigeria’s best to constitute the management team. I am confident that they will perform even beyond our expectations.
“Finally, I urge everyone, including Nigeria’s developing partners, the Academic community, the non-state organizations and other relevant stakeholders to support this new initiative as our Party’s contributions to enriching our polity through more transparent leadership recruitment, a more inclusive public policy process, as well as an enhanced good governance system” he stressed.
In his introductory address, the Director-General, of the Institute, Dr. Lanre Adenayo, stated that the Progressive Institute was poised to emerge as a center of excellence in education, research, and innovation, contributing to the advancement of Nigeria democracy.
He maintained that through collaborative partnerships and cutting-edge initiatives, the institute aims to tackle fundamental challenges and propel positive change in the nation’s political landscape.
Governor Hope Uzodinmma of Imo State and Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum in his inaugural lecture titled: Sustaining Progressive Ideology as a Bedrock of Democracy ‘, the establishment of the institute is an indication that the APC is a party that means well for the common man because it embraces welfarism above capitalism.
Other speakers at the event include Senator George Akume, Secretary to the government of the Federation, Senator Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Others are Mr. Yun, representative of Chinese Ambassador , Alhaji Aliyu Bello, APC Chairman, Nassarawa state who spoke on behalf of APC States chairmen, Prof. Julius Ihonvere, House Leader, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Nalado, Chairman , IPAC..
The Unveiling ceremony was performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture.
The event was attended by top government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Non-state Actors and members of the Diplomatic Corps including Kogi Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, Minister of science and technology, Uche Nnaji, Minister of state FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, former deputy governor of kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna among other dignitaries.
The Progressive Institute is registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a Company Limited by Guarantee and it has been duly certified by the Ministries of Justice and Education.