US-Nigeria Trade Council hosts business forum for visiting Rotarians from Nigeria

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Atlanta, GA. USA. Wednesday June 14, 2017:

The US-Nigeria Trade Council (USNTC) in collaboration with Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PaaChamber), hosted the visiting Rotarians from Nigeria to a business forum and reception at Georgia Capitol building in Atlanta, Georgia. Rotarians from around the world had converged in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to attend the Rotary International Convention 10-14 June 2017. With the spirit of true southern hospitality, and the Nigerian identity, the US-Nigeria Trade Council leveraged on this occasion to organize a business session in honor of Rotarians attending the Convention from Nigeria.

The reception, held at the Georgia Capitol, had the objective to appreciate, acknowledge and recognize this key subset of the Nigerian business community, as well as to create leverage with the business landscape and opportunities in the US. The business forum was moderated by Titus Olowokere, Executive Director/CEO of the US-Nigeria Trade Council.

Senator Donzella James, a democratic senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia, and a member of the powerful Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, delivered the keynote address, “Georgia is open for Business”. She highlighted business opportunities in United States of America, and in Georgia in particular. While accentuating the need to grow bilateral relations between United States and Nigeria, she identifies Nigeria as a notable business ally, and would be leading a Trade Mission to Nigeria in August 2017.

Hon. Kayode Laro, the Consul General of Nigeria in Atlanta, acknowledged the role of the Rotary Club in community development, relationship building and as a veritable force for business and economic growth. He called on all Rotarians to avail themselves of opportunities in Georgia, particularly in the area of Agriculture, emphasizing that the Consulate office would be supportive in such business enterprise.

The theme of the presentation by Dr. Toks Onabanjo, CEO, PaaChamber, was “Franchising as a business model”. He analyzed the untapped opportunities in Franchising, and examined the benefits, misconceptions, the scope, legal considerations and specific businesses appropriate to franchising. Immigration dynamics and enabling legal framework for doing business in US. According to Attorney Sam Laguda, a leading legal practitioner in Georgia, the United States has strict enforcement of the law, and emphasized the need for compliance. He took the participants through the various types of business and investment visas available, and offered his services to assist in this direction.

Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa, the District Governor (District 9110) of the Rotary Club in Nigeria, was excited with the reception and Business forum, saying it exceeded their expectations. He thanked the organizers of the forum, and expressed appreciation for the “Excellence in Service” awards presented to him. He assured the gathering that the Rotarians have been encouraged to internationalize their business interests, and have found Georgia very hospitable, and conducive environment for business. The Rotarians were taken on a tour of the Senate Chamber and treated to sumptuous Nigerian delicacies.

The Business Summit was attended by over 50 Rotarians, including Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa, (District Governor 9110), Rot. Remi Bello (MD/CEO of Critall-Hope, and immediate past president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries), Hon Bosun George Oladele (member of the Nigeria House of Representatives), Rot. Chidozie Mba (Convention Chair, and Partner, Eloh Mba &
Associates), Rot Adegbite Adesina (Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association), Rot. Fidel Ogkwazor (MD, Cliff Travel & Tours), Rot. Annie Essierette, Rot. Tonia Taiwo, Rot. Felicia Edomwande, Rot. Victor Edomwande, Rot. Onyebuchi Okafor (MD, JAFCON Development) and Rot. Kayode Aderinokun (MD, Tropical Mines Nigeria Ltd).

Other participants included Mr. Joe Beasley, International Civil Rights Icon, Southern Regional Director of the National Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the president of African Ascension; Mr. Dele Oladeji, Group Director of the Coca-Cola company in Atlanta, and Thomas F. Matthias, Vice President, Global Trade Finance, United States Export-Import Bank.

The next US-Nigeria AgriBusiness (Non-Oil) Investment Summit, is scheduled for Atlanta on Nov. 16-18, 2017, with Ambassador (Dr.) Robin R. Sanders (Former US Ambassador to Nigeria) giving the keynote address. Rotarians interested in AgriBusiness opportunities were invited and encouraged to attend this Summit, by sending “expression of interest” email to tolowok@usnigeria.org.