A Nigerian Trade and Investment Delegation Visits Universal Peace Federation (UPF) UK HQ in 43 Lancaster Gate
Friday, April 29th Gala Dinner
On April 29th there was a Gala Dinner for a Nigerian Trade and Investment Delegation. This was the conclusion of a week-long itinerary for the delegation. For UPF it was the opportunity to host senior VIPs such as Hon. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the Honourable Minister for Trade, Investment and Industry, Nigeria, who was the Special Guest of Honour of this Programme. The delegation was organised by Godson Azu and his company Cater and Merger. Universal Peace Federation UK was a partner for the programme. Addressing the audience during the programme, from Abuja, Nigeria, was George Ogurie the President of UPF West Africa. He outlined the Character Education project for Nigeria that UPF UK is supporting.
Hon. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo: The Honourable Minister for Trade, Investment and Industry. The Special Guest of Honour of this Programme
His Excellency Sarafa Tunji Isola, Nigeria High Commissioner
His Excellency Dr. Komba Morie Manyeh, Sierra Leone High Commissioner (photo below)
HRH. Dr. Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi JP. FIMC, CMC, MCArb, FIMS(UK) FOSHA, FSFS. The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Ekiti State.
The delegation was organised by Godson Azu and his company Cater and Merger. Universal Peace Federation UK was a partner for the programme.
In cooperation with Nigerian UPF, we highlighted the Nigerian Character Education project that UPF - UK is supporting.
Nigerian UPF Character Education Programme
Robin Marsh, Secretary-General of UPF - UK, introduced UPF saying that it is one of only 140 international NGO's that have General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. He also explained that there are branches of UPF in almost all nations of the world that bring UN programmes and platforms to those nations. He added that UPF branches often act in partnership across national boundaries. We showed a clip of the video of H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari addressing UPF’s World Summit in February 2022 that encouraged UPF’s work in Nigeria (From 8 minutes 25 seconds in https://youtu.be/jJMysO77BT8 ). Buhari states, "We are open to continuous partnerships with local and international organisations such as the Universal Peace Federation to achieve lasting peace in the world."
Marsh then introduced the founder of the Nigerian UPF Character Education programme, Rev. George Ogurie, who addressed the delegation from Abuja, Nigeria. Rev. George Ogurie is the UPF Sub-regional Director for West Africa based in Nigeria. During his presentation to the delegation via zoom, Rev. Ogurie gave an overview of the Character Education programme for Nigeria. Ogurie has a passion to roll out a nation-wide programme taught by teachers in every state of Nigeria and supported by a network of 5000 trainers.
Showing a short video of the Character Education Stakeholders' Meeting in Abuja in November 2021 (https://youtu.be/iObwxy608Uw) he demonstrated the wide appeal of the programme. During the video, Nigerian Senator Abu Ibrahim, Chair of UPF Africa, emphasised the need for Character Education in his native land.
This was well-received by the mostly Nigerian audience in the Lancaster Gate Ballroom. A number of those present expressed their interest in the programme.
Following this presentation UPF's Ambassador for Peace Awards were presented to the following dignitaries:
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Komba Morie Manyeh, Sierra Leone High Commissioner (photo above)
HRH. Dr. Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi JP. FIMC, CMC, MCArb, FIMS(UK) FOSHA, FSFS. The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, Ekiti State.
Princess Toyin Kolade Iyalaje Oodu
Oba Francis Olushola Alao: The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, Ogbomosho
Professor Mrs. Queen Victoria Adesuyi and Chief Felix Ogbu
Awards were also presented in abstentia to:
Hon. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo: The Honourable Minister for Trade, Investment and Industry
Prince Clem ikanade Agba: Hon. Minister of State. Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Some other photos:
The Hon. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, (photo below) during his address commented on the closeness of the Nigeria-UK relationship and the strength of the Nigerian diaspora here. He said, "On Tuesday 26th of April 2022 we also successfully concluded the 7th UK Nigeria Economic Development Forum (EDF). To provide a little background EDF was launched during the former UK Prime Minister, Theresa May’s visit to Nigeria in August 2018 as a platform to discuss trade and economic development issues that affect both countries. It is held every six months and serves as a platform to address market access barriers, respond to opportunities and challenges of doing business and boost bilateral trade and investment. During this week’s meeting the UK committed to advancing the Manufacturing Africa programme, which has supported 12 firms in Nigeria to obtain large-scale foreign investment."
The warmth of the delegation and their relationship with the UK augurs well for the future of the mutual prosperity between Nigeria and the UK. UPF - UK are inspired to support the development of the future leaders who will enact that growth, through Nigerian UPF's Character Education programme. We are also happy to develop our relationship with the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.