President Goodluck Jonathan would declare open a high level Business and Investment Summit on Nigeria on the sidelines of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics’ games in July.?
The Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is being organised by the Bank of Industry (BOI) in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympics Committee (NOC) is part of the country's show-casing agenda '' scheduled to hold on July 30th at the Dorchester Hotel in London.?
“`President Jonathan is expected to lead the campaign for projecting Nigeria as one of the World most vibrant market during the games,'' Mr Waheed Olagunju, BOI’s General Manager, Strategic Planning/Corporate Communications said in an interview with NAN in London.?
“The ultimate objective is to seize the opportunity of the games to link Nigerian entrepreneurs to the global economic system and project Nigeria to the international community as one of the world’s best investment destinations,’’ Olagunju said.?
He noted that over the years, many countries have leveraged on events such as the World Cup, the Commonwealth and indeed the Olympic Games to expand trade and attract investments for the growth and development of their economies.
“Aside from its proximity to Nigeria, historical and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has also made London a very good platform for advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda,’’ he stressed.?
According to Olagunju, the objective of the summit with the theme “ Nigeria- the World’s Most Vibrant Market’’,?? is to attract more than 250 business leaders across the globe.?
He disclosed that as part of the agenda, Jonathan would also declare open a `Nigerian House’ situated at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London.?
Olagunju explained that the house would serve as a platform for the celebration of the best of Nigerian civilisation, in culture, visual arts, theatre, film, poetry, music, fashion and food.?
He said artists expected to perform on the occasion included Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Dele Sosimi, Seun Kuti and Tony Allen.
Olagunju also said that a play entitled: “The King Must Dance Naked’’, by Fred Agbeyegbe, that offered a theatrical experience of Nigerian culture would be performed at the event.?
Meanwhile, BOI and UK-based Surrey Chamber of Commerce have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote business opportunities between both parties during the Olympic Games.?
Ms Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director of BOI signed on behalf of Nigeria while, Ms Helen Clack signed on behalf of the Chambers. (NAN)