Lagos is preparing to host an extraordinary gathering of political and business leaders as the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) marks its 65th anniversary and swears in its 20th president, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, on April 12, 2025. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island.
Under the theme “The Power of Co-Operation: 65 Years of Optimising Nigerian-American Economic Relations,” the gala will serve as a reflection on the Chamber’s enduring role in fostering trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Publicity Subcommittee, NACC, Victor Ojelabi, it was disclosed that the event would also feature the unveiling of the proposed multi-storey headquarters building for the Chamber, as well as the induction of fifty-two new members.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who will serve as the chief host of the event, will be joined by other distinguished personalities, including Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Senator Barau Jibrin, Governor Uba Sani, Governor Dauda Lawal, Governor Umo Eno, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Dr. John Momoh. These leaders will be recognized for their contributions to strengthening Nigerian-American business relations.
The gala will also honor several individuals for their exemplary efforts in advancing the Nigerian-American business community, including His Excellency Americo D’Oliveira Dos Ramos, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe; Aare Afe Babalola; Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; Prince Arthur Eze; and Chief Pius Akinyelure.
Posthumous honors will be given to the late Ambassador Walter Carrington, the former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria; Mr. Richard Kramer, founder and CEO of African Capital Alliance Limited; and Mr. Sylvester Turner, the 62nd Mayor of Houston, Texas, for their remarkable legacies in fostering Nigerian-American relations.
The event’s special guest of honour will be Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The royal father of the day will be His Royal Highness Malam Dr. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau. The occasion will also be attended by Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President of the Africa Finance Corporation.
The gala will recognize outstanding Nigerian and American companies, as well as former NACC presidents whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing economic growth and bilateral trade. Corporate sponsors of the event include Mainstream Energy Solutions, Zenith Carex, FastCredit, The Coca-Cola Company, Flour Mills Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, PWC, Turkish Airlines, Lagos Continental Hotel, EightMedical, FortuneGlobal, and Zenith Bank.
Media partners, including Channels TV, BusinessDay, Studio24, The Cable, Naija Times, Lagos Post, and Freelanews, will also be present to cover the event.
For over six decades, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has been a key platform for fostering business development, networking, and promoting strategic trade cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. The upcoming 20th presidential inauguration gala will not only celebrate the Chamber’s legacy but also mark the beginning of a new chapter of visionary leadership and economic collaboration.
