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
Post a Comment
One way to contribute to the development of this website is by always dropping your comment whenever you read a post.
Don't leave without dropping yours