In the year 2003, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Annual Lecture continued to be a platform for thought-provoking discussions and intellectual engagement. The highlight of the 8th lecture was the distinguished presence of Sir Ketumile Masire, who delivered a compelling paper on “NEPAD – a blueprint for African Economic development” at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.

1. Distinguished Speaker:

   • Sir Ketumile Masire, a respected statesman and former President of Botswana, graced the event with his presence, adding a wealth of experience and wisdom to the discourse.

2. Theme: “NEPAD – a Blueprint for African Economic Development”:

   • The focus of the 8th lecture centered on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), with Sir Ketumile Masire delivering a paper that explored NEPAD as a strategic blueprint for fostering economic development across the African continent.

3. Venue: ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja:

   • The choice of the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja as the venue underscored the regional significance of the event, bringing together stakeholders and leaders from West Africa.

4. Intellectual Engagement:

   • The lecture provided a forum for intellectual engagement and exchange of ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of NEPAD’s role in shaping the economic trajectory of Africa.

5. Continued Commitment to Knowledge Sharing:

   • The inclusion of a distinguished speaker and the selection of a pertinent theme showcased the foundation’s commitment to providing a platform for informed discussions on critical issues facing the continent.

As we reflect on the 2003 Murtala Muhammed Foundation Annual Lecture, it is evident that the foundation continued to elevate the quality of discourse, inviting esteemed speakers to share their expertise and insights. Sir Ketumile Masire’s contribution on NEPAD added a significant chapter to the foundation’s ongoing mission to address key challenges and contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Stay tuned for more articles as we delve into the subsequent years of the foundation’s impactful annual lectures.