Corporate Nigeria Opens Nigeria for Business at NY Hotel Marriot

New York Hotel Marriot Marquis

The New York Hotel Marriot Marquis is the venue of the world market roundtable being organised by the private sector and representatives of the Federal Government as preparations begin in earnest for the Corporate Nigeria Stakeholders and Investors Forum scheduled to hold in April, writes Olaolu Olusina

The countdown has begun in earnest and expectations are also high as the world market roundtable,  being organised by the private sector and representatives of  the Federal Government , tagged Corporate Nigeria Stakeholders and Investors Forum, scheduled to hold at the Broadway Ballroom, New York Hotel Marriot Marquis, Broadway, New York ,United States of America,  gets a date in April. Scheduled to hold between April 29 and 30,the investors forum, according to the organisers, is a partnership between top professional bodies and trade associations such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Institute of Directors (IoD); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC). The Ambassador and Head of Mission of the Embassy of Nigeria to United States, Washington D.C., Professor Adebowale Adefuye, has already been confirmed as the chief host of the forum. He will be supported by the Consul- General of the Nigeria High Commission in New York, Mr. Habib Baba Abu.  He is expected to deliver a welcome address at the event.

A statement from the organisers, which was made available to THISDAY last week, said the forum was initiated as a means to open the country up for more business opportunities by parading and showcasing some of the best trade associations and professional bodies in the country during the event. It listed other objectives of the forum to include the provision of a veritable platform for investors to take “advantage of Nigeria’s high population to increase the national per capital income; to create enabling environment in policies, processes with a gathering of policy makers and potential investors under one negotiating roof; to increase international capital flow to Nigeria; and to reposition Nigeria as giant in terms of size, investments, infrastructure etc. Other objectives, according to the statement, are to attract foreign investment into Nigeria by showcasing the positive values and attractive investment opportunities; to provide a roundtable for dissemination of reliable relevant information on Nigeria’s various sectors and; a high level networking forum with a convergence of the relevant Nigeria professional bodies and government decision makers in a parley with foreign investors from various countries across the world.

The statement also listed the local marketers of the event who have all made several trips to the US as Heartlink-led Kemi Otegbade; Managing Director, Unicorn Holdings Limited, Dr. Ayodeji Fred Mafikuyomi; Yinka Ogundimu of Globalcare Environmental Needs; Ola Okpeseyi of Dipo Okpeseyi and Co., with moral support from the advisory board members such as Engr. Dideolu Falobi of Kresta Laurel; Chief Olusola Dada; and Arc. Femi Majekodunmi among others.

Not less than five state governments in Nigeria are expected to showcase investment opportunities in their various states at the forum. The Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has also been invited specially. Guest speakers at the forum, which is expected to be attended by global business players and investors, are drawn from an array of sectors. While the President, IoD and Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, Arc. T.C. Awagu, will speak on investment potential in the country, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar,  is expected to handle a topic   weaved around the impact of security on investment.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, will speak on guidelines, prospects and incentives for investors just as the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Abike Dabiri- Erewa, will challenge Nigerians in the diaspora to come home and invest. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bimbo Ashiru, will also look at investment as a diplomatic tool. A grand gala night is expected to climax the event where top Nigerian artistes will perform to the delight of the summit participants and Nigerians residing in USA at the elaborate theatre of Hotel Marriot with special appearance from at least two top Hollywood stars to honour the event.

On what informed the choice of New York Marriot for the event, “The organising committee comprising of top professionals from various industries jointly agreed that a five-star environmental is essential to encourage top Nigerian decision makers to attend.
“Marriott Marquis, Broadway, New York is a sight to behold and a great tourist attraction. Their ball room is almost as big as our National Theatre in a modern setting. It simply captured our hearts during inspection,” THISDAY was told.

Participation, this reporter was also informed, is not limited to the four associations earlier mentioned alone.
“Participation is not limited to the four associations at all, it is open to all industry leaders, organized private sector, government agencies/parastatals, corporate bodies, especially banks, estate companies and insurers who can design special package/product for Nigerians abroad, investors, state and the Federal Government.

“The partnership with the four associations are strategic partnerships. Their members will be given special discount on registration fees as part of the team. Besides, most of the presidents of these associations are guest speakers,” a top member of the organising committee explained.

Those willing to participate in the forum, it was also learnt, are expected to get a valid visa on time and pay the token registration fees, which will cover their meals and gala nite. “They can book their tickets and accommodation by themselves or through us as we have special discounts on accommodation,” THISDAY also gathered.

According to the organisers, “This is a project that all patriotic Nigerians should support. It is time to regain Nigeria’s lost glory. The theme of the project is harnessing Investment windows to the most populous, enterprising black nation.”