FACE canvasses closer ties with US, honours Buhari, others

Nigeria has been urged to closer business ties with the United States of America in its effort at diversifying the economy and ensuring that the country sustains economic growths

Speaking at a reception to herald activities for the 2017 US-Nigeria Legislative & Executive Leadership Forum, Founder, Festival of Arts & Culture Expo Inc. (FACE), Princess Asha Okojie-Osazuwa, said the world is becoming a global village, in which there are no boundaries to trade and communications.

According to her, the forum billed for 15-18 of November at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Largo, Washington DC,USA with the theme: ‘Nigeria Revitalization Initiative: Global partnership for effective development & restructuring’ will help promote closer business ties with the USA.

The aim of the forum, which she said will bring together over 200 business leaders, young entrepreneurs and decision makers from both countries, is to improve the US-Nigeria bilateral relations by exploring the political economic  & policy making process of both federal/state/local system of government and business enterprises in private and public sectors.

Also speaking at the reception, President of the Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce, (NACC), Olabintan Famutimi, said Nigeria has always enjoy a mutual business relationship with the USA, adding that the US is the largest investor in the country.

He said Nigeria could still benefit more from the USA, especially at this particular time that oil value is declining.

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Similarly, President/CEO, United People for African Congress (UPAC), Dr. Sylvester Okere, in his remarks said, “We in America are very concerned about the struggles and challenges of our people. Nigeria being the most populous nation of Africa and the largest single black community in the world is faced with many opportunities as the Giant of Africa.

“We are rest assured that this robust program and continuing in partnerships, collaborating, and the huge networks of likeminded great men and women of noble ventures…the Boat shall rise again. And the Eagle “Nigeria” will soar steady and enviable as never before.”

CEO of Conduit Communications Ltd, one of the leading partners of FACE, Victor Gotevbe disclosed that one of the highlights at the forum would be special recognitions and honours for deserving Nigerians and Americans.

Among those to be honoured, he said are: Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido 11; Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State; Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly.

Others are: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Amb. Donald Yamamoto; Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo; Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Geofrrey Onyeama and many others.

According to him FACE Honors is an award celebration of Africa’s influences on global economy and cultures, recognizing  outstanding individuals, organisations, corporation and institutions whose outstanding courage, commitment, and passion have contributed to the promotion of democracy, education, public service, among many others.