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.

Since her appointment as Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited, AICL, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, PhD; has proven that she is ready for business! One of her most remarkable achievements has been driving investment to the Federal Capital Territory.

Since she was appointed in April 2024, by the minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, she has shown that she is the right person for the job. She has successfully breath new life into the institution by infusing the company with visionary dynamism and rekindling the entrepreneurial fire that many are now the proud of.

Hers is not just a leader who is just occupying office, but actively transforming AICL, and gradually achieving her major vision of repositioning Abuja beyond its role as Nigeria’s administrative capital, transforming it into a thriving business and investment hub for Africa.

Of course, she has achieved all these with the support of her boss, Wike, whose unwavering support and commitment to advancing the vision of the FCT as a leading investment destination, has greatly assisted AICL in giving the capital city a new lease of life.

As she clocks one in office in April, the seasoned diplomat would be commissioning various projects embarked by AICL across FCT.

As revealed, she will be leading her team of achievers at AICL for an Investors Forum in the UK on the 19th of June 2025, with the theme “Exploring Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Gateway. Nigeria. This is expected to create a platform that will connect European investors and Nigerians living in Europe and to showcase investment opportunities in Abuja.

Also, stated that the second edition of Abuja Business & Investment EXPO (ABISummit2025), is expected to take place from October 21-25, 2025, at International Conference Centre, ICC, with the theme “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets~ This summit will build on the foundation laid by ABIS 2024 in driving innovation encourage collaborations and solidify Abuja’s role as a key investment hub in Africa.

In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the AICL is committed to leveraging these investment forums to drive economic growth of the FCT.

But beyond this, Tamuno has also created an environment where open dialogue thrives. She is not afraid to commend great work or offer constructive criticism where necessary, knowing that honest feedback builds a stronger institution. Criticism, when given with sincerity and love, leads to growth, and that is exactly what is happening at AICL.

Jubril Adewale Tinubu, oil tycoon and GCE of leading oil and gas firm, OANDO, yesterday shone brilliantly like a well-cut diamond when he received the award for the New Telegraph Investor/Transaction of the Year 2024.

The oil guru with three decades of expectational performance in the oil sector was among other prominent Nigerians that went home with honours at the Oriental Hotels, venue of the ceremony.

The award, described as well- deserved, was presented to Tinubu for leading his team to successfully completing the acquisition of Agip Oil Company at $783 million.

The transaction, which was completed in August 2024, was described my many as a remarkable one the nation’s economy.

Tinubu is an intelligent, pragmatic and a genius who strikes when the iron is hottest.

Gifted with a knack to spot opportunity ahead of the crowd, Tinubu has in the last 30 years of unbroken entrepreneurial voyage positioned Oando among the best oil and gas company in the world.
He believes Nigeria offers limitless possibilities and opportunities, and holds high, at all times, the banner of hope.

Today, the business has not only earned him fame and wealth, but has also contributed in great measures to the economic development of Africa and beyond.

Other awardees on the night include Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State won the Governor of the Year 2024; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State received the Governor of the Year in Projects, while Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State won Governor of the Year in Economy

Others are Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, won the newspaper’s prestigious Man of the Year 2024, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), won Minister of the Year 2024 in Transformative Leadership.