Lagos is set to host a major gathering of political and business leaders as the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) celebrates its 65th anniversary and inaugurates its 20th president, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, on 12 April 2025.
The high-profile event will take place at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event’s special guest of honour is Vice President Kashim Shettima with the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as the Royal Father of the Day. The occasion will be shared by the President of the Africa Finance Corporation, Mr. Samaila Zibairu
Themed, “The Power of Co-Operation: 65 Years of Optimising Nigerian-American Economic Relations”, the landmark gala will reflect on the chamber’s role in promoting bilateral trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United States.
The celebration will also feature the unveiling of the proposed NACC multi-storey headquarters building and the induction of 52 members.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will serve as the chief host of the day and will also be honoured alongside other notable personalities, including Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Others include Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa; President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina: and Chairman of Channels Television. Dr. John Momoh.
Distinguished individuals and brands will be recognised for their contributions to the Nigerian-American business community. Among the awardees are the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Americo D’Oliveira Dos Ramos; legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola; industrialist, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; businessman and energy executive, Prince Arthur Eze, and administrator, Chief Pius Akinyelure.
The chamber will also honour, posthumously, former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington; founder and CEO of African Capital Alliance Limited, Mr. Richard Kramer; and the 62nd Mayor of Houston, Texas, Mr. Sylvester Turner.
Also to be recognised are outstanding Nigerian and American companies, alongside former presidents of the Chamber, whose work has advanced economic growth and bilateral trade relations.
Corporate supporters of the gala include Mainstream Energy Solutions, Zenith Carex, FastCredit, The CocaCola Company, Flour Mills Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, PWC, Turkish Airline, Lagos Continental Hotel, EightMedical, FortuneGlobal and Zenith Bank.
Media partners include Channels TV, BusinessDay, Studio24, TheCable, Naija Times, Lagos Post, and Freelanews.
For over six decades, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has served as a premier platform for business development, networking, and strategic trade cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The 20th presidential inauguration gala will serve as both a celebration of legacy and a launchpad for a new era of visionary leadership and economic collaboration.
