Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, and Other Dignitaries to Attend NACC Gala in Lagos

Lagos is gearing up to welcome top 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 April 12, 2025. 

The landmark event, themed "The Power of Co-Operation: 65 Years of Optimising Nigerian-American Economic Relations," will be held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. It will highlight NACC’s decades-long role in strengthening trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States.

According to a statement by Victor Ojelabi, Chairman of the Publicity Subcommittee, the event will also feature the unveiling of the proposed NACC multi-storey headquarters and the induction of 52 new members.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will serve as the chief host and will be honoured alongside other dignitaries including House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Senator Barau Jibrin, Governors Uba Sani, Dauda Lawal, and Umo Eno, as well as Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Hon. Hannatu Musawa, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Dr. John Momoh.

Distinguished individuals and brands will be recognised for their contributions to the Nigerian-American business ecosystem. Award recipients include Prime Minister Americo D’Oliveira Dos Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe, Aare Afe Babalola, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Prince Arthur Eze, and Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Posthumous honours will be given to former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington, African Capital Alliance founder Richard Kramer, and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima will serve as Special Guest of Honour, with the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Dr. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as the royal father of the day. Samaila Zubairu, President of the Africa Finance Corporation, will also attend.

Outstanding Nigerian and American companies, as well as past Chamber presidents, will be recognised for their roles in fostering bilateral trade. Corporate sponsors include Coca-Cola, Zenith Bank, Flour Mills Nigeria, Turkish Airlines, and others, with media coverage by Channels TV, BusinessDay, The Cable, and more.

The NACC described the gala as both a celebration of legacy and a launchpad for renewed leadership and collaboration in Nigerian-American relations.