In a season renowned for its propensity for rain, it was a great day to golf, as golfers took to the course at the high level, recreational, international trade engagement, The Trade Relations Cup™️ (TTRC) which recently held at the Ikoyi Club 1938.
To tee off the tournament were Special Adviser on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; and Economic and Commercial Counsellor at Canadian Deputy High Commission, Mr. Zaya Kuyena.
The tournament organisers said it is a celebration of bi- and multilateral trade and commercial cooperation among nations of the world, with focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Targets 10,11 and 12).
The initiative garnered strategic partnership with PEBEC; Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments. and bilateral trade entities like the European Business Chamber Nigeria, Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce Nigeria.
In her keynote address, Oduwole said that “the Trade Relations Cup serves as a vital platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and forging new partnerships. It is an opportunity for us to showcase Nigeria’s progress and potential, while learning from the best practices of other nations. Our involvement in this event underscores our dedication to engaging with the global community, promoting trade, driving economic prosperity”.
For Ambrose-Medebem, “as its name connotes, the Trade Relations Cup, a recreational and diplomatic engagement initiative, is a laudable programme that should be supported by all, as it provides unique opportunity to facilitate investment opportunities, along with trade and commercial relations among participants, and by extension, between nations. I believe this is very innovative, strongly expressive and highly commendable”.
President of Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Guillaume Niarfeix said: “FNCCI is proud to be a partner in this significant event alongside PEBEC, and other chambers of commerce. Our participation underscores our unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering a dynamic environment for trade and investment between France and Nigeria”.
President of Eurocham, Yann Gilbert said: “This prestigious event not only celebrates our shared passion for golf, but also underscores the importance of fostering strong trade relations between our business communities. I am confident that this tournament will serve as a fantastic opportunity to build and strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and enjoy friendly competition. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this unique occasion to connect, network, and create lasting memories”.
CEO/Managing Director of Diplomacy Publishing and Events (organisers of the event) Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord thanked the partners and sponsors, while explaining that “trade is an integral part of the reason for diplomacy and interaction among nations of the world. Trade in itself brings about peace and prosperity in our world. We can’t do without trade. Even while America and Russia were disagreeing over Ukraine, there was still some trading going on between them. After all said and done, no one has it all. There’s always something that this nation needs, which can only be found in that nation. That’s why we said to ourselves: why don’t we create a platform where nations can mix business with pleasure, while we strive for cordiality and global Harmony? And so, we stumbled on the idea for the Trade Relations Cup. Actually it’s a gift from God, that we fleshed up”.
The duo of Olusegun Toba and Desmond Mathew, who represented PEBEC, recorded 36 and 38 stableford points respectively, to arrive at 74 combined stableford points, which made them winners of the Trade Foursome competition in the bi-format tournament.
Playing off handicap 3, Matthew recorded 1-over the course par of 71, which gave him 69 net and victory in the singles category of the tournament.
