Award & RecognitionNewsIndependence Day: Nigerians in Canada Confers Distinguished Citizen Award on Oduoza, Okonjo-Iweala

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The Nigerian-Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) has honoured Phillips Oduoza and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for their sterling contributions to the economic development of Nigeria.

While Oduoza is the chairman and founder of NOVA Merchant Bank, Okonjo-Iweala is the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and a former Minister of Finance.

The association conferred a distinguished citizen award on the duo at a gala night to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day in Calgary, Canada over the weekend.

The NCAC marks the Nigerian independence anniversary annually to celebrate the country’s freedom and to also showcase Nigerian culture, excellence and successes. It is the highest-profiled Nigerian event in North America with professionals and businesses coming together to celebrate.

Dr Patrick Etokudo, president of NCAC, said Oduoza and Okonjo-Iweala were honoured because of their distinguished services and contributions to the financial and economic development of Nigeria, Africa and the world at large

He said, “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.”

Oduoza, in his acceptance speech, thanked the association for the award, and called on Nigerians and Africans in Canada and the larger diaspora to prioritise investments in Nigeria and on the continent.

He encouraged Nigerians in Canada to continuously touch base with the home country, saying that the situation at home is not as bad as 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 added.

By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter)

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