Political leaders, policymakers, academics and development experts on Thursday in Jos canvassed bold reforms and stronger institutions as Nigeria pursues its ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The call came during the second edition of Colloquium 2.0 held in honour of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda 58th birthday celebration, at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, where participants also reflected on his leadership journey and contributions to national development.

In his welcome address, the National Convener of Colloquium 2.0, Comr. Beduna Bulus Gajnung Seri, said the gathering was convened not merely to celebrate Prof. Yilwatda but to document his leadership journey, values and contributions to national development while he is still alive.

He said the colloquium was conceived as an intellectual platform to preserve the ideals of purposeful leadership and inspire future generations.

“Most times, people are celebrated long after they are gone. This colloquium is not just about eulogising Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; it is about preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations to embrace purposeful leadership,” he said.

Giving an overview of the event, Patience Shishang described the colloquium as a platform for promoting visionary leadership and stimulating intellectual conversations on Nigeria’s future.

She said beyond celebrating Prof. Yilwatda’s achievements in academia, electoral administration, humanitarian service and politics, the event seeks to inspire young Nigerians to embrace integrity, innovation, character and selfless service.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, congratulated Yilwatda on his 58th birthday and commended the organisers for staging what he described as a remarkable event.

Audu praised the APC National Chairman’s leadership, saying he had successfully coordinated the party’s nationwide presidential, governorship and National Assembly primaries while driving reforms that have expanded the APC’s membership.

“The National Chairman has done an excellent job. He is driving reforms that have expanded APC membership to over 15 million, making it the largest political party in Africa. We are confident he will continue to provide the leadership needed to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision,” he said.

Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, described the colloquium as an opportunity to reflect on the values of visionary leadership, integrity and service to humanity.

She said the greatest tribute to Prof. Yilwatda was not merely to celebrate his achievements but to uphold the ideals that have shaped his life. According to her, sustainable development depends on investments in education, innovation, digital technology, healthcare and human capital.

“The life of Prof. Nentawe demonstrates that excellence is intentional and greatness is never accidental. It is cultivated through discipline, sacrifice, lifelong learning, resilience and faith,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address titled, “Achieving a Trillion-Dollar Economy in Nigeria: What Needs to Be Done,” Prof. Pam Dung Sha said Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030 is achievable but would require bold reforms, stronger institutions and sustained economic growth.

He noted that with Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) currently between $291 billion and $375 billion and an annual growth rate of about four per cent, the country must increase its growth rate to between 10 and 12 per cent to attain the target.

Prof. Sha called for stronger collaboration among the Federal, State and Local Governments, the private sector and development partners. He also advocated increased investment in infrastructure, industrialisation, innovation, education, healthcare and human capital, alongside stronger institutions and improved accountability.

“A trillion-dollar economy is not just about the size of our GDP. We must build an economy that creates jobs, reduces poverty, modernises education and healthcare, fixes infrastructure, tackles insecurity and puts food on the table of every Nigerian,” he said.

The colloquium also featured a panel session on the theme, with discussions centred on practical strategies for achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target. Panelists included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Benard Doro; Prof. Pam Dung Sha; Prof. Chris Kwaja; and Dr. Rosemary Anga, who examined policy reforms, leadership, innovation and human capital development as critical drivers of economic growth.

Awards were also presented to individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to leadership, public service, academia and national development. The recipients included Tongnan Lami, Salihu Salisu, Ibrahim Raja, Ngozi Nancy Eze, Veronica James, Hassana Tijani, Winner Abdulrazak, Nfon Cyril, Prof. Pam Dung Sha among others.

Responding, Prof. Yilwatda expressed gratitude to the organisers, particularly Plateau youths, for their unity and commitment in making the colloquium a success.

He also thanked his family, friends, members of the APC National Working Committee and the Plateau State Government for the honour, describing the event as one of the defining moments of his life.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Yilwatda recalled failing the Common Entrance Examination and attending a government secondary school before rising through hard work, faith and God’s grace.

He urged young Nigerians not to allow their background or present circumstances to define their future, insisting that determination, discipline and integrity remain the keys to success.

“I sincerely thank the youths for their collaboration in making this colloquium a success. My story is proof that where you begin does not determine where you will end. I pray that every young person here will have a better life than I have today and achieve even greater success. That is my greatest desire and legacy,” he said.