Philip Oduoza, founder of NOVA Merchant Bank, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), have been honoured by the Nigerian-Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) for their contribution to the economic development of Nigeria.
The association conferred a distinguished citizen award on the duo at a gala to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day in Calgary, Canada.
Patrick Etokudo, president of NCAC, said Oduoza and Okonjo-Iweala were honoured because their services have immensely contributed to the financial development of Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
“In these two Nigerians – Mr. Phillips Oduoza and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, we have esteemed personalities who have shown commitment to the growth of mankind and Nigerian-Canadian relationships with their contributions, thus representing the best of Nigeria,” Etokudo said.
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Oduoza, while giving his acceptance speech, thanked the association for the award, and called on Nigerians and Africans in Canada and the diaspora to prioritise investments in Nigeria and on the continent.
He encouraged them to come home to Nigeria once in while, adding that the situation is not as bad as how the media portrays it.
“Every country has its own peculiar challenges and Nigeria is not an exception. Nigeria is a country with enormous opportunities across all sectors. I am convinced that Nigeria and larger Africa will get it right soon,” he said.
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The NCAC marks the Nigerian independence anniversary annually to celebrate the country’s freedom and to also showcase Nigerian culture, excellence and successes.
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