Area Organizations and Businesses to Conduct Trade Mission to Nigeria
Rufus Idris
412-759-4565 / ridris@usaceed.org
Diane I. Daniels
412-241-4436 / didwriter@gmail.com
Image: Alleghey Couty Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Osun State, Nigeria Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
agree to do business between the County and Nigeria. [Click for larger image]
Comprised of 20 business executives, entrepreneurs, and elected officials from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City, the goal is for delegates to leave Nigeria with contacts, memorandums of understanding, letters of intent, and where applicable, contracts for profitable trade and business unions between the United States and the State of Osun.
“This trade mission is in alignment with President Obama administration’s policies encouraging the development of free markets and an increase in the volume of business between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and President Obama’s National Export Initiative,” said Rufus Idris the executive director of Christian Evangelistic Economic Development, Inc., this region’s mission organizer. “We are pleased to be working closely with the officials in the Osun State Governor’s Office, in accordance with the President’s policies said, Dr. Sheriden M. Booker; President and CEO of New York’s’ WURA Arts Services and Productions.
Pittsburgh groups taking part in the mission include representatives from CEED, the Manchester Bidwell Training Center, the Braddock Pot Shop; a ceramic – water filter factory, Carnegie Mellon and Point Park University’s, the International Fashion House, M.O.K.A. Gallery, Africa Yetu and DID and Associates. Other organizations involved are the African and Caribbean Business Council of Philadelphia and WURA Arts Services and Productions, LLC of New York City.
“We are aiming for this mission to serve as and to facilitate introductions to current business opportunities in Osun State and to develop strong and continuous relationships with key decision makers and leaders in the Nigerian private and public sectors,” pointed out Dr. Azuka Anyim, president of the
African and Caribbean Business Council.
Mission organizers indicate that building relations with Nigeria and Osun State is significant because of the NEI aiming to double total U.S. exports by 2015. Nigeria has been identified as a “priority market” for U.S. companies, who in turn can assist in diversifying Nigeria’s economy through trade, technologies, and services. With Nigeria being considered the world’s eighth largest nation toting a current population of 155 million and expected to grow to 289 million by the year 2050, leading analysts predict that when the country’s gross domestic product is rebased in 2014, Nigeria will also emerge as the continent’s largest economy, rivaling Africa’s hitherto economic giant South Africa, and evidencing new and unexploited opportunities for expanded trade.
“When Governor Aregbesola, visited us in February it was decided that it is necessary for the two entities to continue establishing partnerships in the areas of transformational leadership practices, to build business-to-business partnerships and to develop win-win investment opportunities, educational exchange programs, import and export relationships, green technology and environment, health care, agriculture and cultural exchanges and tours,” said Idris pointing out that CEED is excited to be able to be an essential piece in the process.
Considered a rising star in the Nigerian political firmament, Governor Aregbesola has focused on strengthening Osun State in the areas of agriculture, economic development, youth employment, education and security. His bold vision for the state is encapsulated in a Six Point Integral Action Plan to banish poverty, hunger and unemployment; to restore healthy living; to promote functional education and to enhance communal peace and progress. “His plan seeks to ensure that the fruits of economic development positively impact as many lives as possible,” says Osun State’s Director of General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola.
Activities during the 10 day excursion will include a Trade Mission Briefing Reception, hosted by the US Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. Expected participants will include Dr. Anyiam Rebecca Armand of the US Embassy, Sam Ohuabunwa ; President of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce Lagos Nigeria, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola; Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships Governor’s Office, State of Osun, Idris of CEED, and Chief. Olabintan Famutimi and Ismaila Jayeoba-Alagbada; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment.
Other scheduled mission activities entail plenary sessions, business to business meetings, state – investors meetings, historic sites, business project site visits and the Osun-Osogbo Festival Celebration.
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