USNC Celebrates Sports, Creative Economy Linkages between United States and Nigeria
On Wednesday, September 23, the US-Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade, and Investment (USNC) hosted a breakfast to celebrate US-Nigeria collaboration in the fields of sports and the creative economy. The event took place on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week in New York City.
Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Middle East and Africa, gave keynote remarks focusing on the importance of Nigeria for US commercial investment, especially in the creative economy and sports. He also gave an overview of the ongoing US-Nigeria Commercial Investment Partnership (CIP) talks slated for a second ministerial round in December.
Representing H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Adetokunbo Philip Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources of Lagos State, gave remarks on the central role that Lagos plays in Nigeria's economy and in the country's ties with the United States. He emphasized the rapidly growing creative scene in Lagos that has made afrobeats and Nollywood major Nigerian exports in recent years. Olusoga Oduselu, Director and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa, introduced the Honourable Commissioner and gave a passionate and personal call to action to promote and grow Nigeria's creative and sporting sectors.
USNC Senior Advisor then moderated a panel on the role of sports in the US-Nigeria relationship. H.E. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) of Nigeria, shared details of his efforts to professionalize organized sports across the country and noted the importance that US technology and investment will have in making these efforts successful. Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, outlined the booming popularity of basketball in Nigeria and her vision for continued support for the game by the NBA.
H.E. Chairman Dikko then gave a closing keynote address, followed by remarks from the floor by USNC Honorary Co-Chair and Founding Member Mr. John G. Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, and Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando, both of whom shared personal stories of their passion and support for the growth of organized sports in Nigeria.
The USNC was honored to host these distinguished speakers from the US and Nigerian governments and the private sector. We were especially pleased to welcome many USNC members.
