Committing to Stronger Ties with UK, Commonwealth

The Nigeria-British Association, N-BA, recently held its 2023 Presidential Cocktail in Lagos where they committed to stronger ties with the UK and  Commonwealth, Precious Ugwuzor writes   

On October 26, 2023, the Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA) hosted its 2023 Presidential Cocktail at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in fruitful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations, further strengthening the bonds between Nigeria and Britain.

In his welcome address, the President of the Association, Mr. Sola Oyetayo, articulated its vision and thematic direction for the upcoming year and its desire to foster relationships with esteemed partners and friends.

He also highlighted the association’s mission, its unwavering commitment, and the strategic direction set by the administration under the theme ‘The Big I.D.E.A – A New Chapter.’ 

While acknowledging the invaluable contributions of past presidents, including the vice patrons, he paid homage to the late patron of the Association, Pa Akintola Williams, who recently passed away. 

“The N-BA is a friendship organisation with members – individuals and organisations spanning Nigeria, Britain and other Commonwealth countries, therefore we warmly welcome individuals and organisations willing to join the association,” he noted.

Representative of the British Deputy High Commissioner and Head of the UK Government Department Business and Trade (DBT) Nigeria, Ms. Chim Chalemera, in her address expressed heartfelt appreciation for the enduring relationship between the N-BA and the British Deputy High Commissioner. She emphasised the consistent support rendered by the British Deputy High Commissioner over the years, highlighting events like the Presidential Cocktail as pivotal moments in cementing the strong ties between Nigeria and the UK. 

Speaking further, she reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and expressed their determination to attract more UK investments into the country. 

“We are friends; let us continue to be friends and work together for the common good,” she concluded.

The 2023 Presidential Cocktail stood as a testament to the N-BA’s dedication to fostering meaningful collaborations, strengthening diplomatic ties, and promoting investments between Nigeria and Britain.

 As the association steps into a new chapter, the event served as a beacon of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Present at the event were distinguished guests, including vice patrons of the Association, Chief Olabintan Famutimi, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, CON, CFR, former Commonwealth Secretary General; former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria, Bashorun Jaiye Kofolaran (JK) Randle; and former Minister of Industry, Chief Kola Jamodu. Notable partners for the evening included British Deputy High Commissioner, Scib Nigeria & Co Limited, Grand Oak Limited, NEM Insurance Plc, and Open Access Data Centre Lagos. 

Also in attendance were diplomats, key government officials from both Nigeria and Britain, leaders of prominent multinational and national businesses operating in Nigeria, alongside members of the association.