By Aliyu DANLADI
Friends of Nigeria (FON), a professional organisation of Nigerians based in Europe, on Tuesday said it was committed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, as well as attracting more investments from Europe.
FON’s Vice-President and Director of Partnerships, Mr Abiodun Odunuga, stated in Lagos that it had so far facilitated some investments from Europe to Nigeria.
“Over the past two years, we have facilitated investment for a few state governments and for a number of SMEs in Nigeria.
“With our pool of diaspora network, we have also invested in businesses across various sectors to stimulate youth entrepreneurship and foster job creation.
“Our desire is to keep expanding the frontier of our activities and network while deepening our impact in the Nigerian, French and European economies,’’ he said.
Odunuga said the organisation was also working at bridging the gap in the economic space between Nigeria and Europe by matchmaking interested European investors with Nigerian companies.
He said there was currently a growing interest of the French business community in Nigeria’s agriculture, real estate, hospitality, tourism, entertainment, fashion, education, digital technology, and renewable energy sectors.
The vice-president and director of partnerships said that to attract more investors from Europe to Nigeria, FON would from October 4th to 5th be organising ‘The Spotlight Nigeria’ in Paris, France.
“The Spotlight Nigeria is an annual event that serves as the confluence point for top Nigerian and French company executives, business leaders and leading investors to meet and discuss business deals.
“This event is one of the foremost platforms in Europe promoting Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
“The event aims to also consolidate some of the developments from the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Nigeria earlier in the month of July,’’ he said.
Spotlight Nigeria offers a platform for Companies and Business Leaders from Nigeria and France to explore business opportunities together and exchange valuable information that would engender increased business partnerships and bilateral relations between French Companies and their Nigerian counterparts.
It is the foremost event in France for French Companies, Business Leaders and Investors interested in investment and business opportunities in Nigeria; attracting participants from all over Europe and Nigeria, including top executives, business leaders, and reputable organizations.
Spotlight Nigeria is a must-attend event for any foreign investor/ Company with investment or business interests in Nigeria.
