By Kennedy Onwunali
The Chairman of the Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, has announced the rescheduling of the organisation’s 2027 Annual Global Summit from Sunday, January 3, to Saturday, January 2, 2027.
Oparaoji, in a statement, said the adjustment became necessary to ensure greater convenience for participants and invited guests expected at the annual gathering.
The summit, which will commence at 11:00 a.m., will be held under the theme: “Developing and Leveraging Youth Digital Skills for Global Competitiveness in Rural Enterprises.
According to him, the event will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, development experts, traditional rulers, religious leaders and youths to deliberate on strategies for harnessing digital technology to drive rural enterprise and youth empowerment.
The MPR Chairman said the summit is part of the organisation’s commitment to promoting sustainable development in Mbaise through policy dialogue, innovation and strategic partnerships.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. INS Dozie, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Other dignitaries expected at the summit include Dr. Jude Iheoma, MPR Chief Programme Director and co-host; Sir Surveyor Joe Anosike, Father of the Day; Bishop Okezuo Nwobi of the Ahiara Diocese, Spiritual Father of the Day; Her Excellency Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Mother of the Day; Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Special Guest of Honour; Prof. J.E. Ahaneku, who will chair the summit; and Bishop Chamberlain Ogunedo, Anglican Bishop of Mbaise.
Prof. Oparaoji urged all invited guests, stakeholders and members of the public to note the new date and make the necessary arrangements to attend, expressing confidence that the summit would produce practical recommendations for strengthening youth digital capacity and enhancing the competitiveness of rural enterprises.
