Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce set to hold its 60th anniversary celebrations

THE Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has rolled out the programme of events for its 60th anniversary celebration.

This was made known by the National President, Otunba Toyin Akomolafe at a Press Conference held on Thursday, February 18, 2021.

Otunba Akomolafe, during the conference, announced the theme of the anniversary as “Celebrating 60 years of Partnership and Prosperity”, and stated that the celebration was slated for October last year when NACC hit the 60-year landmark but it was pushed to the first quarter of 2021 due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Founded in October 1960, the NACC, which started as a Luncheon Club then known as the Nigerian-American Friendship Club, was established to foster and promote trade and investment between Nigeria and the United States. Speaking of the origin and progress of the Chamber, the National President said: “The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is the first and oldest bilateral chamber of commerce in Nigeria. It was established in 1960 to enhance and promote business relations between the United States of America and Nigeria. 

“The Chamber started as a Luncheon Club then known as the Nigerian-American Friendship Club with few eminent Nigerians and an American namely, Late Sir. Mobolaji Bank Anthony, Chief (DR.) Christopher Ogunbanjo and Bob Fleming, then the Public Relations Manager at Mobil here in Nigeria.

“The Luncheon Club then gradually metamorphosed into the NACC with Late Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony as its founding President. Of course, we have to also mention the respective roles played by other eminent Past Presidents inclusive of the late Chief Henry Fajemirokun of blessed memory, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, etc. The commitment of the respective Past Presidents cumulatively helped in bringing the Chamber to the stage it is today.”

Otunba also announced the achievements of the NACC over the last 60 years: “More than 60 years on, the NACC has grown into a dynamic organization. It stands as a pillar of the relationship between the United States of America and Nigeria, serving as an important catalyst in bringing together people and ideas to bolster bilateral commercial relations between Nigeria and the United States. Close to 1000 members spanning different sectors of the economy have registered with the Chamber since inception. 

“We have also registered eight chapters of the Chamber across Nigeria with two in the United States (Atlanta and Houston). This has enabled the Chamber to realize its lofty aims and objectives which include the fostering of trade and commerce investment between Nigeria and the USA and liaising with the Nigerian Government and its agencies throughout the country on trade and industry-related matters.

“The Chamber has consolidated itself as a virile trade channel between Nigeria and The United States over its 60 years of existence. We maintain close relations with the Commercial Section of the United States Embassy as well as the other US Governmental agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), etc. We also work closely with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), etc. locally”.

After announcing the anniversary theme and unveiling the logo, Otunba Akomolafe said the 60th Anniversary Lecture was slated for April which will be followed by 60th Anniversary Showcase (achievements of NACC in 60 years) in May 2021. A Coffee Table Book will feature all history of NACC, past presidents with short profiles, the current EXCO and Board members, reports of Chamber’s activities and events since inception with photographs as well as other relevant information.

Courtesy visits by the President to prominent members, well-wishers, partners, stakeholders, etc., will be undertaken from February to May 30, 2021, while a Charity Walk from the Secretariat to the US Consulate is planned for May/early June 2021

The President of the Chamber also announced the NACC 60th Anniversary Innovation Prize of N1m for members only with a timeline of March 1 – May 30, 2021.

In June, the Celebration will close with an NACC 60th Anniversary Dinner to be held in strict observance of COVID-19 protocols, and very limited number of persons will be admitted to this event physically, with others to join by Zoom. At the event, the Innovation Prize winner will receive his/her prize. 

Present at the media briefing were Ehi Braimah, vice president of NACC and Chair of the 60th anniversary committee and Dame Adebola Williams, NACC Board member and Chair of the Programmes Committee of the Chamber.