Pastor Poju commenced this session with Professor Akinyemi, by reading a compendium of his trailblazing achievements.

The first question was centred on the 2014 National Conference that was set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The convened asked how well the conference achieved its objectives and if there was a system put in place to track the implementation of the recorded objectives.

Professor Akinyemi gave a resounding, ‘Yes, Yes, it did.’ He said over 300 Nigerians were consulted during the conference and over 16 agreements were made by consensus. He said the report has also been made available online since the conference was concluded. He, however, said that the resolutions and recommendations have not been implemented in its totality. He advised everyone to get online and read the report,

The second question was on the validity of the recommendations in the current geopolitical dispensation. Professor Akinyemi said, “Most certainly.” He said the 1999 constitution is often referred to as fake as there was no consultation involved. The 2014 National Conference, however, took care of this. He advised that rather than a government rejecting reports, a task force of about fifty people should be set up to look into the various reports and then create a blueprint to follow.

Professor Akinyemi made a number of suggestions on Nigerians making positive input to soft diplomacy as regards nation-building g and global Image. He advised that government should use conferences to address what the government should do or not do. He greatly encouraged and lauded Nigerian entrepreneurs who were affecting the image of the nation positively abroad through different areas of their work and endeavours. He said individuals can greatly contribute to the rebranding of Nigeria globally.

The fourth question addressed the issue of how Nigerians in the diaspora are playing a role in Nigerian diplomacy. He was very positive about this and lauded the achievements of Nigerians abroad, the activities of the Nigerian Pentecostal ministers who have not been duly recognized for placing the country on the map globally and Nollywood, amongst others. He admonished that our global impact must improve rather than regress or be complacent. He reiterated that there are a lot of positive inputs that can be made to add to our positive image globally.

The convener closed the session with a final question on the best approach to foreign policy for the nation to engage in for the future.
Professor Akinyemi said we must have a President who has a vision of the greatness of the nation and surrounds himself with experts who will help him develop policies to get Nigeria to be a positive player on global issues. These experts must develop policies that drive the giant vision of the nation above all.