The International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA) has underscored the need for collective commitment by the citizenry toward bolstering political decisions and economic strategies globally.

Executive president of the IIEPEA, Tunji Asaolu, disclosed this at a one-day 2025 political and leadership conference on Friday in Abuja.

The conference has as its theme: “Political Economy of Nation Building; The World Unfinished Business”.

According to him, the purpose of the conference is to define a collective commitment to tackle one of the major challenges facing communities in an era of rapid change.

“As we gather in this global body, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our journey toward political optimism and national prosperity.

“Today is to explore the complicated relationship between political economy and nation building, how they influence each other and the pathway through which we can achieve our environmental goals.

“The concept of the political economy of nation building encapsulates the interplay between politics, economies and societal factors, civic governance, and public policies.

“It encompasses the systems, structures and processes that drive economic growth, while ensuring societal justice and political stability,” he said.

Mr Asaolu, also secretary-general and secretary of the Supreme Council, United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) decried the performance of nations, saying they had been influenced by political decisions, economic strategies and the social fabric.

According to him, challenges such as corruption, inequality, inadequate infrastructure, climate change and poor governance have hindered societal progress.

He noted that strategic measures must be taken to ensure sustainable solutions.

“To navigate this complexity, we must enhance a comprehensive approach that integrates economic stewardship and effective leadership,” he added.

Minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the IIEPEA for convening the conference, saying such represented the collective efforts by entrepreneurs and public servants.

Mr Olawande, represented by Obinna Nwaka, director-general, committee of youth on mobilisation and sensitisation (CYMS), described the theme of the event as timely and thought-provoking.

“We live in a time of rampant volatility from economic disruption, global conflict, to climate emergencies.

“We must bear in mind the re-establishment of political economy that underpins our societies.

“Nation building is not just infrastructure, institutions and political framework, it is about the people,” he said.

He added that nation-building is also about unlocking the immense potential of citizens, especially young people, who represent the most vital asset of any country.

“In Nigeria, with over 60 per cent of our population under the age of 35 years, our future must depend on how well we overcome this fragility to lead, innovate and transform our society,” Mr Olawande said.

Sen. Shehu Sani, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised the need for mobilisation and networking of youths to advance nation-building.

Mr Sani was represented by Musa Mohammed, chief executive officer (CEO), Centre for Legislative Studies in Africa, an NGO.

He said that such would enable young people to contribute their quota through innovation, to the domestic growth of the country.

“There must be a platform for the youth to come up with good academics, discuss and understand the bigger picture of the world, to advise the national government on ways to tackle issues of national concern.

“This is where they can contribute more meaningfully, through involvement in decision-making processes on issues that concern them and on foreign policy reforms,” Mr Sani said.

The high point of the event was the induction of special emissaries conducted by Dr Stephen Ben-Joel, UN-WCD special envoy to the African Union, the experts’ certification and distinguished fellowship induction into IIEPEA.

(NAN)