NES to honour Shettima, Masha with distinguished fellow award
The Nigeria Economic Society has urged stakeholders to join forces for inclusive economic growth in the nation, announcing its plans to honor Vice President Kashim Shettima and Dr. Iyabo Masha, the director of the Intergovernmental Group of 24 on International Monetary Affairs and Development, with the 2025 Distinguished Fellow Award.The NES emphasized that proactive discussions are essential to explore new strategies for development, focusing on key areas such as investment-led growth, regional integration, innovation, human capital development, and inclusive governance.
In a statement released on Monday, the NES indicated that along with Shettima and Iyabo Masha, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, the CEO of Financial Derivatives, Bismark Rewane, and several others will also receive the Fellow Award at its 66th Annual Conference taking place in Abuja on September 8, 2025.
The vice president is set to inaugurate the conference, while the opening remarks will be delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Additionally, Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria is anticipated to deliver special remarks.
The event will include a lecture titled “Managing Economic Reforms for Sustainable Development: (Experience and Lessons for the Future),” with panelists including Mathew Verghis, World Bank country director for Nigeria; Tanimu Yakubu, director general of the Budget Office of the Federation; Dr. Tayo Aduloju, DG of the NESG; Dr. Tope Fasua, special adviser on Economic Matters; and Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
The NES stated that Dr. Masha is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to global monetary affairs and her commendable service to the nation, highlighting Masha as a distinguished Nigerian and a valuable asset to Africa.
Furthermore, the NES mentioned that economic professionals have been invited to the conference, and that the insights and recommendations from the discussions will be submitted to the Federal Government and other sub-national bodies for their consideration and necessary actions.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Masha transitioned to the International Monetary Fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2003, after building a career centered around monetary policy and operations, reserve management, and research.
Her research areas include macroeconomic and systemic risks, monetary and financial stability, debt sustainability, trade, regional integration, and long-term growth. Masha, who previously served on the Nigerian Presidential Economic Advisory Council, became the Director and head of the secretariat of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four after an extensive recruitment process.
Located in Washington, the G24 consists of countries that work collaboratively to synchronize the positions of developing nations on monetary, financial, and developmental issues. Dr. Masha succeeded Marilou Uy, a former senior advisor of the World Bank and G24 secretariat director from 2015 until her recent departure. She brings extensive experience in research, policy, and operations on both domestic and international stages. Dr. Masha is the first African to hold this position since the G24 was established in 1971.
Previous Directors have been drawn from the Asia or Latin American blocs of membership. During her past role in Nigeria, as part of an eight-member presidential advisory committee from 2019 to 2022, she provided guidance to former President Muhammadu Buhari on economic policies.
This role enabled her to influence the PEAC’s work on the global economic landscape and to shape policies focused on macroeconomic stability and sustainable development.
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