The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a grand gala dinner, featuring His Excellency, Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour

The prestigious event will take place on April 12, 2025, at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the red carpet reception commencing at 5:00 PM.

The highlight of the evening will be the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of NACC.

Alhaji Balogun will also unveil his leadership team, while outlining strategic initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.

As part of the evening’s programme, 40 new members will be inducted into the chamber, and the NACC multi-storey building project will be officially launched.

The gala will also honour outstanding Nigerian and American companies and distinguished individuals, including past presidents of the chamber, for their contributions to economic growth and trade relations.

The President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, will chair the event.

Dignitaries confirmed to attend include Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Founder and Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

Others are Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, Chairperson of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Leo Stan Ekeh.

His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, will serve as the Chief Host of the occasion.

For 65 years, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States, serving as the premier platform for business growth, networking, and investment opportunities.

The Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr.Ikenna Nwosu, says all the guests will be treated to one of the grandest anniversary galas ever experienced in the country.

VICTOR OJELABI
Senior PR Associate
Neo Media & Marketing | Chair, Publicity Committee, NACC Presidential Inauguration Dinner & Awards Night

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce will inaugurate its 20th President, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, unveiling a bold economic agenda on April 12

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has announced April 12, 2025, as the date for the Presidential Inauguration Dinner & Awards Night at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, in honour of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun.

This announcement was made recently at a press conference held at Adna Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, outlined the core objectives of the event, followed by an inspiring opening address from Alhaji Balogun.

The president emphasised the Chamber’s rich legacy as a pillar of excellence in fostering trade relations and economic development.

He also highlighted his personal dedication to advancing economic growth through strategic initiatives, citing his successful organisation of the Annual NACC SME Conference when he was Chair of the Kaduna State Chapter of NACC, which attracted major investors and secured substantial funding agreements.

While addressing the media, Alhaji Balogun unveiled a 10-point strategic agenda aimed at driving economic transformation.

The agenda includes SME development and training, an export focus group, financing opportunities, enhanced member engagement, and geographical crop identification.

Other key areas include synergy between the chapters and headquarters, alignment with national strategies, chapter expansion, business incubator and accelerator programmes, and trade missions and expos.

Deputy President, Ehi Braimah, emphasised the need for stakeholder support, stressing the importance of inducting new members to strengthen the Chamber’s membership.

National Treasurer, Mr. Tobi Oduyale, highlighted the significance of expanding income channels and attracting foreign exchange to sustain the Chamber’s financial strength.

Acting Director General, Ms. Wofai Samuel, acknowledged the media’s role in promoting NACC’s vision and called for increased media and stakeholder support in celebrating visionary leadership across both private and public sectors.

The presidential inauguration dinner and awards night also marks NACC’s 65th anniversary and promises to be a groundbreaking celebration, where distinguished Nigerian and American business leaders across private, public, and social enterprise sectors will be honoured for their contributions to economic development.

“The 65th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce will be nothing short of a trailblazing, trend-setting, and statement-making event,” Dr. Nwosu declared.

This prestigious event will also mark the unveiling of NACC’s new headquarters building, a 3D model showcasing an architectural multistorey masterpiece, which is clearly a testament to the Chamber’s sustainable growth and long-term vision.

As the chamber embarks on this new chapter, its unwavering commitment to economic prosperity, innovation, and strategic partnerships will continue to drive growth and investment for its members and the broader business community.

Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole urges Nigerians to embrace selfless giving at the Rotary Foundation 120th anniversary celebration in Lagos

Former Lagos commissioner and Colenson Group founder, **Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole**, has called on Nigerians to make a positive global impact through selfless giving.

He made this appeal during his opening remarks at **The Rotary Foundation Dinner & Dance**, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos, to commemorate **Rotary International’s 120th anniversary**.

Olawale-Cole commended **Rotary International** for its humanitarian initiatives, describing it as a beacon of **hope, kindness, and compassion**.

He acknowledged Rotary’s far-reaching impact, highlighting the millions of lives transformed through its service projects.

Speaking at the event, **Rotary District 9112 Governor** and Afem Publishers Managing Director/CEO, **Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan**, expressed deep appreciation to donors for their unwavering support.

He emphasised the foundation’s role in addressing global challenges and improving communities worldwide since its establishment in **1917**.

Chairman of the event’s planning committee and past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, **Rotarian Omotunde Olaleye**, urged attendees to continue supporting Rotary’s core mission. He reinforced Rotary’s commitment to:

– **Promoting peace**
– **Fighting diseases**
– **Providing clean water**
– **Saving mothers and children**
– **Enhancing education**

“Your contributions help us **empower communities, foster global understanding, improve health outcomes, and create educational opportunities**,” Olaleye stated.

Themed **”Rotary Foundation: The Heart of Giving,”** the event featured vibrant **cultural performances, entertainment, and networking opportunities**.

A key highlight of the night was the **Humanitarian Awards**, recognising outstanding Nigerians for their philanthropic efforts.

Honourees included:

– **Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole**
– **Olori Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi**
– **Elder Urum Kalu Eke**
– **Anthony & Pharm. Silvia Onwuere**
– **Dr. Taiwo Afolabi (Chairman, SIFAX Group)**

Additional awardees were **Seni Adetu (former Guinness Nigeria MD, CEO of Algorithm Media), Chief (Mrs.) Maria Phillips, Basorun Peter Ogunbayo, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, and Michael Ikenga (CEO, ITStack Limited).**

Since its inception with an initial donation of **$26.50** by the **Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri**, The Rotary Foundation has grown into one of the **world’s largest humanitarian organisations**.

Its mission remains to **advance goodwill, peace, and global development** through impactful service projects.