By Nik Ogbulie
Indications are rife that Nigeria must have kicked off preliminary efforts at escalating her plans to stage a wonderful Intra-African Trade Fair outing in 2027 considering the huge optimism expressed in Algiers yesterday on the sidelines of her visit to the numerous Nigerian exhibitors around the country’s pavilion.
MoneyReport can exclusively reveal that the Minister has allayed the fears of some prominent Nigerian economic players who needed her assurance for a seamless display of quality and integrity at a time considered a critical election year.
This conversation ensued between the Minister, Dr Oduwole, and an industry chieftain of one of the biggest African congomerates;
Industry Chieftain: “Honourable Minister,When are we going to start planning for this humongous project”?
Minister; “Yesterday!!!”
According to my interviewee, the indication is that the Government is ready and does not seem perturbed one bit even as the many industrial and “economic players in the country have the feeling that IATF is coming home”. He noted that Nigerians had looked out for this hosting over the years but had respected the opinion of the rest of Africa and the feeling of brotherhood.
“That response is very assuring, coming from a representative of a respected Nigerian President and a country known for doing very big things for Africa. It is highly uplifting to hear this and all of us will be excited to meet her immediately we get home to be able to set the ball rolling in order to set up a classical programme that will redefine the seriousness the country attaches to the continent and the global status of IATF.”
“Whatever demand the Nigerian government would make from us will be seriously considered as a call to national duty in respect of our understanding that Nigeria has remained a major promoter and participant of IATF, and by extension the Afreximbank activities”.
It is also on record that Nigeria has excelled as host to many multilateral engagements hosted by it. In some resounding instances, her hosting of Commonwealth meeting, Junior World Cup (under 20),and some more left indelible marks on the lives of the promoters.
It is also the impression of our source that the development must be of continental concern to Nigeria considering the roles of some eminent Nigerians in the life of Afreximbank including its Premier CEO, Chief Eduodu, Olusegun Obasanjo, Oramah, Kanayo Awani among others.
