In
celebrating Nigeria, Her People and Her Successes over the last 100 years;
Commonwealth Democracy Initiative in partnership with GLEEHD Foundation, ROSTRA
Consulting & Amandla Consulting organised a weeklong chain of events in
London to celebrate the success of Nigeria as a United Nation between 10 and 13
of March, 2014. Continue...
Dayo Israel, GLEEHD Foundation’s Director for Africa led the Nigeria delegation through the London events which commemorated Nigeria's centenary, her active role in the commonwealth, and the economic growth of her state, while also creating an opportunity for a renewed partnership between Nigerian Government/Business Leaders and their European counterparts.
Speaking
about the involvement of GLEEHD Foundation; Dayo Israel said “it is imperative
that as the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom celebrates the Centenary of
World War 1 and this year’s commonwealth Day observance, that it should also
celebrate the centenary of the almagation of the southern and northern Nigeria
– a British product led initiated by Lord Lugard, it is on this premise that we
have collaborated with the Commonwealth Democracy Initiative and Rostra
Consulting to put Nigeria on the map during this symbolic week in the
commonwealth and also to help foster a renewed commitment in the UK-Nigeria
economic relationship.”
The
delegation of visiting Nigerian Business and Economic Leaders led by General
Yakubu Gowon participated at the Commonwealth Memorial Service in Honour of the
war dead of World War 1 with wreath laying on behalf of the Nigerians who died
in World War 1 at the Commonwealth Memorial Gate in London. The ceremony had in
attendance Former UK Prime Minister Sir John Major; Eminent Commonwealth
Leaders, Senior British Leaders, Joke Silva, Sound Sultan, Weird MC and a host
of others.
The
Nigerian Business Roundtable was held in honour of Nigeria at the British
Institute of Directors was held to bring together various private investors,
entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from Nigeria and to meet their public and
private sector counterparts in the United Kingdom. It also offered a unique
opportunity for our business communities to engage each other in a series of
plenary and breakout sessions which covered major issues, including challenges
and opportunities in UK-Nigeria Investment and Trade. Some of the participants
include Governor Yuguda of Bauchi, Governor Oshiomole, Governor Uduaghan,
Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria - Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie; Chairman of the Nigerian
Economic Summit Group - Foluso Phillips, M.D of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry –
Dr. Evelyn Oputu, D.G National Center for Women’s Development – Mrs Onyeka
Onwenu; HRH Adekunle and Ojuolape Ojora; Vice Chairman of the Council of
Speakers and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Sunmonu; Chairman
Senate Committee on Privatisation Senator Gbenga Obadara, Mr. Olu Jacobs and Ms
Joke Silva, General Yakubu Gowon, Minister of Power - Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo
amongst others.
Other
leaders represented at the weeklong event include the Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade
Sijuade, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara
and Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau, and Hon Labaran Maku – Minister of
Information.
Speaking
at the business roundtable; Governor Oshiomole said “The story of Nigeria is
like a big elephant struggling to get on its feet but there is no question that
when it does get on its feet, it must dominate the forest. All indicators are
there, no perfect country but many opportunities… Nigeria ought to get first
preference from the British investors especially because of our ties and the
advantage of language etc but Britain is losing out to the Asian tigers, its
high time Britain reconnect to Nigeria economically.”
The
event also featured some High Level Trade and Investment Meetings organised by
GLEEHD Foundation for the Government and Business Leaders from Nigeria
including a High Powered Trade Meeting with Former UK Ambassador for Global
Trade and Investment, and 3rd Child of Queen Elizabeth – Prince
Andrew the Duke of York at Buckingham Palace; as well as a meeting with the
leadership of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Entrepreneurship at the UK
House of Lords.
A
Special Event at the Islington School of Art and Media was also held which saw
some of the VIP Guests from Nigeria address over 250 students and young leaders
as part of the activities to celebrate Nigeria’s Centennial Anniversary in
London. Speakers included GLEEHD Director – Dayo Israel, General Yakubu Gowon,
Mr Foluso Phillips and Dr. Charles Akinola from the Osun State Government.
All
invited guest also participated at the Commonweath Day Observance Service with
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Westminster Abbey, with some delegates
including General Yakubu Gowon attending a Private reception with Her Majesty
The Queen at Marlborough House as organised by GLEEHD Foundation.
Commending
GLEEHD; Minister of Power; Professor Chinedu Osita Nebo said “This is a timely
initiative organised by GLEEHD Foundation especially at this defining moment
for Nigeria economically. Power in Nigeria is a colossal problem to think
about, yet a whopping opportunity for investors, the reason is the suppressed
demand for electricity in Nigeria is so huge today”
Wrapping
up the weeklong celebration was a Gala Award Night recognising the contribution
of Eminent Nigerians and Nigerian Emerging Leaders.
About
GLEEHD:
GLEEHD Foundation for Leadership and
International Development is an international organisation Headquartered in the
United Kingdom with an African Secretariat in Nigeria established to promote
the Development of Africa. GLEEHD is an independent, not-for-profit
international organization which seeks to promote Africa Renaissance by
fostering Good Governance and Democracy, Advancement of Economic and
Entrepreneurial Development, Promotion of Human and Children’s Rights, and
Advocacy for Youth Development and Participation in Africa. GLEEHD works to
achieve this mission by working in partnership with Africa public institutions,
civil society and regional and international development partners. www.gleehdfoundation.org and www.gleehdfoundation.org.uk
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