The National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has called on African returnees from across the world to “make Nigeria their home,” describing the country as the true gateway to Africa and a rising hub for global cultural and economic influence.

Speaking at the grand opening of the IPADA Initiatives Celebrations 2025 held at La Campagne Tropicana Forest, River and Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the NACCIMA leader commended Tourism Icon Otunba Dr. Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana and the IPADA Initiatives, for over four decades of steadfast work in uniting Africa through culture, tourism and creative expression.

Ibrahim highlighted Akinboboye’s strategic role within the private sector, noting:
“Otunba Akinboboye is also the Chairperson of the NACCIMA Creative Economy. His vision and initiatives are worthy of commendation. The creative industry remains one of Nigeria’s lowest-hanging fruits for economic growth.”

The NACCIMA President reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, stressing that the creative sector — music, theatre, film, culture and content production — continues to place Nigeria on the global stage.

“In my travels around the world, it is Nigerian artistes who are mentioned first — whether in football, music or theatre — even before government or private-sector actors,” he said. “This global recognition shows the power of our creative community.”

Ibrahim encouraged returnees, guests and cultural groups from Brazil, Europe, Asia, America and across Africa to see Nigeria as a place of belonging and opportunity.

“Nigeria is home. Make it your home, because Nigeria is a gateway to Africa,” he told attendees, including royalty, traditional leaders and international dignitaries. He also welcomed Her Majesty Queen Aruk II, Obongawan Barrister Marie Ikpeme Erete, describing her as a “Mother of Culture.”

NACCIMA’s Wider Global Plan

Beyond the ceremony, Ibrahim reaffirmed NACCIMA’s broader international agenda: engaging the African and Nigerian diaspora not only through remittances, but through investment, skills transfer, trade partnerships, and enterprise development.

Under his leadership, the organised private sector is pushing for stronger global business linkages, diaspora-driven industrial growth, and a coordinated effort to unlock the creative economy as a major contributor to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.

With over 100 Chambers of Commerce nationwide, NACCIMA is positioning itself as a central driver in encouraging international returnees to see Nigeria as both a cultural base and a strategic economic landing ground for African continental opportunities.

A Celebration of Culture, Unity and Return

The IPADA Initiatives Celebrations 2025 brought together kings, cultural institutions and diaspora communities from multiple continents — further reinforcing the message that Nigeria remains a home of heritage, identity and future possibility for its global sons and daughters.

Article prepared for BEN & Paul Akpabio