President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar are amongst dignitaries expected to grace the first edition of “Handshake Across Nigeria”, summit.

The summit with the theme "Nigeria Beyond Oil" is expected to hold in Lagos on Nov. 19.

The secretary of the "Nzuko Umunna", Mr Yinka Odumakin, disclosed that the summit was sequel to calls from stakeholders and Nigerians from various regions, for a comprehensive approach, to encourage a conducive and viable political and economic development in Nigeria.

“The summit is geared at encouraging full participation by all thought leaders, political parties, civil society groups, socio-cultural organisations, and all Nigerians.

“It is aimed at bringing together, the various thought leaders of the component regions, to articulate progressive ideas, which could foster national integration especially as the country approaches its 2019 elections.

Odumakin noted further that the summit, seeks to elicit the perspectives of experts, regional and national leaders, political parties and their presidential candidates, on their willingness to initiate processes towards achieving a better Nigeria.

Dignitaries expected at the event include: Prof. Wole Soyinka as keynote speaker, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu as Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari as Co Chairman.

Others are Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others.