TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE FOUNDER, FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE EXPO INC. (FACE), ANNOUNCING ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2017 U.S-NIGERIA LEGISLATIVE & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM, THEMED: NIGERIA REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE: GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT & RESTRUCTURING HOLDING IN WASHINGTON DC, WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER- SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER, 2017.
Good evening, Gentlemen of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am delighted to welcome you all to the Press Briefing/Reception today, being the 6th of October, 2017, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, to herald activities for the 2017 US-Nigeria Legislative & Executive Leadership Forum (USNIGLELF), themed: “Nigeria Revitalization Initiative: Global Partnership For Effective Development & Restructuring,” billed to hold at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Largo/ Washington DC, USA, Wednesday, 15 November – Saturday, 18 November, 2017.
To understand the present, one must first take a look back at the past. U.S-Nigeria bilateral relations was first established when Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa addressed the U.S Congress, July 25, 1961. Therefore, our goal is to improve the U.S-Nigeria bilateral relations by exploring the political economic & policymaking process of both federal/state/local system of government and business enterprises in private and public sectors
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE U.S-NIGERIA LEGISLATIVE & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM?
To enhance public and private sectors involvement in promoting community economic development initiatives, Nigeria’s restructuring agenda, small and medium enterprises for economic growth and job creation by creating an enabling environment for investment, and capacity building with the goal of strengthening regional security, energy, inter-parliamentary diplomacy, foreign policies, trade relations and philanthropic initiatives through cultural diplomacy.
As the world is becoming a global village, in which there are no boundaries to trade and communication, there is a need in today’s fast paced society and culture, coming together to engage in frank dialogue to gain a better understanding of the political economic, and social trends to remove constraints and recommend strategies that would bring about positive change and peace in the world by addressing challenges and opportunities for sustainability of democracy, regional security, economic growth and development.
The 2017 U.S -Nigeria Legislative and Executive Leadership Forum, is a non-partisan high-level event, and we are excited to hold this press conference here in Nigeria, Thank you in advance for making plans to attend this highly anticipated event, an empowerment platform for young leaders to also, engage in productive dialogue that would prepare them for future leadership role in the world. We hope that the experience you bring back will go beyond just participating in the event to becoming Goodwill Ambassadors, to affect real change in Africa, Nigeria and African diaspora.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW FOR THE 4-DAY EVENT
DAY 1 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Workshop and Study Tour
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Welcome Reception
DAY 2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Onsite Visits and Study Tour
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Exhibition, Meet and Greet Networking
DAY 3 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Conference and Exhibition
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
VIP Reception, Business and Industry Networking
DAY 4 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Conference and Exhibition
5:00 pm – 12:00 am
FACE HONORS AND GALA BALL
Red Carpet, Award Ceremony and Cultural Entertainment
KEY THEMES
1. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Prospering together through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) civil society organizations and diaspora
2. The Role of Virile Anti-trust and Consumer Protection Regime in Promoting Investment and Economic Expansion in Nigeria
3. Nigeria’s Anti Corruption Legal Framework and its Effect on Economic Development
4. Using Arts, Music and Culture to Stimulate Economic Development Initiatives
5. Improving Health and Educational systems for Job Creation and Community Capacity Development
6. The Role of Government in Good Governance, Poverty Alleviation & Social Welfare
7. Reviewing the Legal and Regulatory Framework of Public Private Partnership and Foreign Direct Investment Policies
8. The Future of Aviation, Transportation and Food Safety in emerging global threats
9. Maximising Microeconomic Reforms and policies through legislation and best practice sharing
10. Managing Compliance and Security Risk in the Oil and Gas Industry
11. Implementing cost effective technologies for efficient processes and productivity in public and private sectors
12. Weighing the Benefits and Risks of International Trade, import and export in Global Economy
13. Efficient border Security and Migration Management.
THE FORUM WILL FOCUS ON:
– Governance and Democracy
– Finance and Banking
– Aviation, Travel and Maritime Industry
– Trade and Investment
– Infrastructure and Housing
– Terrorism and Insurgency
– Consumer Protection and Food Security
– Economic Diversification & Diplomacy
– Healthcare & Education
– Finance & Banking
– Customs and Immigration Compliance
– Agriculture and Energy
– Environmental Sustainability
– Media, Tourism & Hospitality
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
The 2017 U.S-Nigeria Legislative and Executive Leadership is the most anticipated event of the year, showcasing exhibitions, business-to-business match making, investors/entrepreneurs round table discussion and award celebration of Africa’s influences on global economy, cultures and entertainment, to benefit charity causes, research and education, while creating an interactive environment for effective policy discussions, exchange of expertise and idea sharing, in an ambient environment to build new connections and long lasting business relationships with over 400 attendees.
WHO WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE?
* Decision makers, business, state and legislative leaders
* Foreign High-ranking government and public officials, dignitaries and celebrities
* Chief executives of state, federal and local government, agencies, companies, enterprises, foundations, private and public sectors
* Investors group, international development partners and business experts
* Senior leadership or representatives of foreign diplomatic corps, chambers of commerce, organisations, associations, institutions of higher learning and corporate law firms
STRATEGIC BENEFITS
1. Opportunity to interact and connect with foreign government and public officials, diplomats, legislative, judiciary, executives of federal, state, and local government officials, decision makers, CEO’s of leading international companies and multilateral finance institutions.
2. Explore the U.S public and private sectors in government and business enterprises, including, EB-5 Program , matching of investors with project promoters, entrepreneurs and stakeholders with potential signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
3. Exhibition opportunities for primary, secondary & tertiary sectors of organisations, government & business enterprises to showcase their services, products or investment incentives
4. Speak in high-level networking session or make presentations to an audience comprising prestigious international experts, industry colleagues, key decision makers, group investors, government organisations, public and private sectors.
5. Participate in roundtable Discussions, where delegates will engage in substantive exchanges, plenary sessions, presentations, panel discussions, B2B meetings, investors and entrepreneurs round table dialogue.
LEADERSHIP IMMERSION
The ability to create an enabling environment for economic growth is fundamental to the development and sustainability of any democracy. The forum creates an interactive platform to Explore the U.S public and private sectors in government and business enterprises, including, EB-5 Program.
WHY EXHIBIT WITH US?
Opportunity to connect with decision makers, business owners, executives and managers from companies, associations and showcase your state’s investment opportunities, tourism potentials, new products, goods and services, meet new customers, investors, maximize your presence and pitch your product, solutions, and destination with leading experts in public and private sectors. .
Additional Exhibitor Benefits:
1. 3 day exhibition, 100 square feet of exhibit space, access to networking events and pre-events
2. Opportunity to network and meet organizers outside of the show floor through the following events:
* Welcome Reception – 3 admissions per 100 square feet of exhibit space
* Meet and Greet Session – 3 admissions per 100 square feet of exhibit space
* Networking Session- 3 admissions per 100 square feet of exhibit space
* Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony/Closing Party – 3 admissions per 100 square feet of exhibit space
FACE HONORS GALA BALL
FACE HONORS is an award celebration of Africa’s influences on global economy and cultures, in recognition of outstanding individuals, organizations, corporations and institutions whose outstanding courage, commitment, and passion have contributed to the promotion of democracy, education, cultural heritage, public service, philanthropic activities, diplomacy, community development, peace and security, in Africa and the African diaspora.
The event brings together over 200 VIP guests, among them corporate representatives, entrepreneurs, business leaders, federal/state executives, top government officials, celebrities, dignitaries, current and former legislators and ambassadors of U.S and African Countries.
SOME PAST FACE HONOREES
* Hon. Mildred Crump, Newark, New Jersey
* Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark, New Jersey
* Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman Chrome Group
* Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Chairman, Island Club, Nigeria
* Mr. Rob Brunner, VP Arik Airlines, USA
* Chief Edem Duke, former Hon. Minister of Culture Tourism and National Orientation, Abuja
* Mayor, Kasim Reed Atlanta, GA
* HON. ARC. Micheal Oziegbe Onoleme, former Minister of Works, Abuja
* Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, former Amb. /Consul General, Nigeria Consulate of Atlanta, GA,
* Ambassador Andrew Young, Atlanta GA
2017 FACE HONOREES
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Her Excellency
Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari
First Lady of The Federal Republic of Nigeria
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD
Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo
CEO, Kazeem Royal Properties Limited
OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE AWARD
Alhaji Muneer Bankole
CEO/MD Medview Airline
LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD
Senator Ordia Aimienmona Clifford
Senator Representing Edo Central Senatorial District
LIFETIME AWARD & ROYAL FATHER OF THE DAY
His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido II
Emir of Kano
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD
His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade
Governor, Cross River State
PUBLIC INTEGRITY AWARD
Pastor Tunde Bakare
General Overseer, Latter Rain Assembly
GLOBAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD
Rt. Hon. Justin Okunbo
Former Speaker, Edo State Assembly
EXEMPLARY DIPLOMATIC SERVICE AWARD
Amb. Donald Yamamoto
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa
CIVIC STATESMANSHIP AWARD
His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr.) Thomas Obiwuru Obiefule
National Chairman of Royal Traditional Rulers
INTERNATIONAL PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
His Excellency, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama
Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria
BEST ARTISTIC FACILITATION AWARD
Loveth Ebede
Nollywood Actress
OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION AWARD
Chief Dr. Leemon Leemon Ikpea
Executive Director, Agbonhagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation
We want to thank those who participated for the online voting to nominate a mentor or role model. Voting is now officially closed.
SPEAKERS
SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOR
Hon. Boyd Rutherford
Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Senator C. Anthony Muse
Maryland State
SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOR
Amb. Geoffrey Tenilabe
Former Nigeria Ambassador/Consul-General to U.S
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Yari Abubakar
Governor of Zamfara State & Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Barr. Tunde Irukera
Director General of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Chris Kehinde Nwandu
CEO/Publisher CKN News & President, Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria
GUEST SPEAKER
Mr. Emeka Eneanya
Founder Eneanya Foundation
GUEST SPEAKER
Mr. Victor Gotevbe
CEO Conduit Communications Limited (IVLP Alumnus)
GUEST SPEAKER
Ejike Fashina
CEO Career Education Academy (Safe Skies for Africa)
OUR PARTNERS
They include: AFRIQTALK CONSULT, UNITED PEOPLE FOR AFRICAN CONGRESS, CONDUIT COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED, INTERNATIONAL ART RESOURCE CENTRE
HOST CITY- MARYLAND STATE GOVERNMENT
CONCLUSION
At this juncture, Gentlemen of the Press, We thank you all for making out time of your very busy schedules to be here. We crave your indulgence and kind cooperation to give this epoch-making event the expected media publicity.
We must also thank intending delegates for making plans to attend this highly anticipated event, an empowerment platform for young leaders to engage in productive dialogue that would prepare them for future leadership role in the world. We hope that the experience they bring back will go beyond just participating in the event to becoming Goodwill Ambassadors, to affect real change in Africa, Nigeria and African diaspora.
PRINCESS ASHA OKOJIE-OSAZUWA
FOUNDER, FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE EXPO INC. (FACE)
OCTOBER 6, 2017.
