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 week long celebration was a Gala Award Night
recognising the contribution of Eminent Nigerians and Nigerian Emerging
Leaders.
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