The Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) is in its 11th year of actively facilitating business connections between diaspora investors and opportunities in Nigeria and Africa.
Held in London, the summit attracted investors from various sectors across the United Kingdom and Africa.
Amb. Dr. Cyprian Terseer Heen.
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
The NDDIS Summit was officially declared open by the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Dr. Cyprian Heen.
The welcome address was delivered by the NDDIS founder, Otunba Bimbo Folayan Roberts.
Tim Morries, former British Ambassador in Africa and a senior Trade Adviser on Africa in the foreign and common wealth office
The President's Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation and MSMEs Promotion, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, MFR, highlighted the various initiatives the presidency has implemented to support the survival and growth of emerging businesses.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was represented by Dr. Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, who gave an engaging lecture on the state's vast potential.
The keynote message from the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, was delivered by his Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora and Special Duties, Maureen Okogun, titled "Kaduna is Ready."
The Chairperson and CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa was represented by Hon. Terab Abduranan, Head of Technology Transfer and Innovation at NIDCOM.
Other notable dignitaries included Tim Morris, former British Ambassador to Africa and Senior Trade Adviser on Africa in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; HRM, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Adewusi, founder of the African Fashion Week, London, was represented by the Creative Arts Director Mrs. Bola Obileye;
Internationally acclaimed actress and Nollywood legend, Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett; HRH Paul Eganda and Grace Eganda, founders of the African International Development Organisation (AIDO); as well as other royalties from Ghana, Eritrea, and many more.
The event also featured a panel of experts from various fields discussing how Nigeria can create more jobs and support the growth of MSMEs.
The panel included Dr. Boma Douglas, an energy expert; Thierry Bayle, a business development expert; Nikky Emelike, Founder of Neasdon College; and Abimbola Okoya, a board member of the Commonwealth Institute and a research student.
Dr Adetoro Bank- Omotayo
Cruxstone Development & Investment Limited
According to the founder of NDDIS and coordinator of the panel, the committee's findings will be submitted to the president through the SSA on Job Creation and MSME Promotion.
The event was attended by business leaders, entrepreneurs, top government officials, community leaders, stakeholders, and members of the Nigerian and African communities in the UK.
Sponsors of the event included Providus Bank, Air Peace, and Cruxstone Development & Investment Limited.
Through the unwavering efforts of Otunba Bimbo Folayan Roberts, the NDDIS Summit has been successfully held for 11 years, with the organization hosting up to three events annually
It is no surprise that Chief Roberts received commendation from both the Acting High Commissioner, Dr. Cyprian Heen, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, MFR.
The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner, Cyprian Heen, reassured the diaspora community of the Nigerian government's readiness to welcome and support diaspora investments.
Toyin Adepoju
Head, Diaspora Banking
Providus Bank
The summit featured business presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for advertisers and business owners.
Delegates and participants engaged in discussions on diverse business opportunities in Nigeria, as well as available funding options.
Otunba Bimbo Folayan Roberts highlighted sectors beyond agriculture, crude oil, and manufacturing, such as Nollywood, music, sports, and fashion, emphasizing their potential to create jobs for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
Other government representatives who attended provide insights and support.
The NDDIS MD also announced a new philanthropic funding initiative for projects aligning with the United Nations' sustainable development goals, focusing on health and well-being, education, and gender equality.
The NDDIS summit facilitates opportunities for stakeholders to explore potential collaborations in finance, technology, and technical skills to promote enterprise and job creation in Nigeria and Africa.
A core focus of NDDIS is to ensure the generation of sustainable employment across Africa.
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