…Organisation wins LCCI Awards
By Tunde Oso
THE Japan Exterior Commerce Organisation’s (JETRO) participation on the 2025 Lagos Worldwide Commerce Truthful closed yesterday on a profitable be aware, with the its pavilion attracting almost 50,000 guests over the 10-day occasion — one of many highest turnouts recorded by any international pavilion this 12 months.
The Commerce Commissioner of the Japan Exterior Commerce Group (JETRO), Lagos Workplace, Mr. Takashi Oku, disclosed the figures throughout an interview at Tafawa Balewa Sq. (TBS), the place Japan showcased a mix of superior know-how, funding prospects and youth-focused cultural exhibitions.
That is because the organisation was declared winner of LCCI’s award in “Excellence in Tradition and Commerce Promotion” on the commerce honest.
Oku mentioned this 12 months marked Japan’s tenth look on the Lagos Worldwide Commerce Truthful, but additionally one in all its most vibrant as a result of introduction of Tremendous Japan, a two-day anime, gaming and cultural showcase that drew huge youth crowds on Friday and Saturday.
“This 12 months, we participated on a bigger scale alongside the Tremendous Japan occasion to focus on Japanese popular culture. We had been very impressed by the robust enthusiasm Nigerians confirmed,” he mentioned.
He famous that Japan strengthened its pavilion this 12 months with expanded exhibitions, stay actions and new manufacturers, including that guests demonstrated a deep curiosity not solely in cultural merchandise but additionally in know-how, manufacturing, automotive manufacturers and innovation.
Reflecting on the honest’s total efficiency, Oku mentioned: “We had been very impressed by the keenness. Yesterday, for instance, we held a live performance and most individuals had been extraordinarily excited. It was a really optimistic response.”
On funding, he acknowledged that Japan continues to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. “Honda has a manufacturing unit right here, Ajinomoto additionally has a manufacturing unit. And now, Otsuka Pharmaceutical is setting up a manufacturing unit for Pocari Sweat, a nutritious drink. It’s anticipated to be accomplished subsequent 12 months. We’re steadily seeing extra concrete investments coming from Japan,” he mentioned.“Oku added that Nigeria stays a promising marketplace for Japanese companies, however known as for stronger authorities assist to encourage extra buyers.““To encourage additional funding, incentives or assist akin to subsidies or tax exemptions can be useful—not just for Japan however for buyers from around the globe,” he defined. He famous that the Japanese authorities continues to take care of dialogue with Nigerian authorities on enhancing the enterprise surroundings.“Past cars and industrial machines, he recognized sustainability, vitality effectivity and waste-management know-how as key areas the place Japan seeks to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.““Japan may be very dedicated to ecology and sustainability. We have now eco-friendly applied sciences, together with waste administration and fertilizer manufacturing, and options that scale back vitality consumption. These applied sciences could seem expensive at first, however in the long run, they’re environment friendly and assist sustainability,” Oku mentioned.“Requested whether or not Japanese corporations made income at this 12 months’s honest, Oku mentioned financial restoration, rising inflation and diminished buying energy stay challenges, however expressed optimism about long-term prospects. He acknowledged that shopper curiosity was excessive, particularly amongst younger Nigerians drawn to Japanese merchandise, leisure and cultural content material.“He attributed the surge in foot site visitors partly to the Tremendous Japan pop-culture showcase, which featured anime, gaming tournaments, cosplay, J-Pop performances and conventional Japanese craft demonstrations.“The 2-day cultural pageant trended broadly on social media and was credited with attracting one of many largest youth audiences of the complete Commerce Truthful.“Trying forward, Oku says Japan hopes to return to the honest subsequent 12 months with a good stronger presence. “We might want to talk about with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Trade (LCCI) on how finest to broaden our participation and appeal to extra Japanese corporations. We wish to stay a robust and lively participant,” he mentioned.“He added that Japan intends to “contribute meaningfully” to future editions and deepen collaboration with LCCI to strengthen the worldwide profile of the Commerce Truthful.“With the Japan Pavilion closing to heavy crowds on the ultimate night, commerce officers say this 12 months’s efficiency underscores Nigeria’s rising urge for food for Japanese innovation, tradition and long-term partnerships.
Tinubu to Duke of Edinburgh: Our financial reforms ’ll empower extra youths
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA—PRESIDENT
Bola Tinubu yesterday advised the the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, that numerous reforms, focused at strengthening the financial system and related establishments, will safe the long run for Nigerian youths and empower them with abilities that may make them globally aggressive.
The President, who acknowledged this when he obtained the Duke on the State Home in Abuja, famous that youths remained central to the repositioning of the financial system, including their possession of the important thing reforms would lead Nigeria into an important future.
Prince Edward, as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Worldwide Award Basis, was in Abuja to transient the President concerning the worldwide award that will happen in Lagos.
“We shall be collaborating within the G-20 this week. It’s the third time Africa is internet hosting the G-20. And the central problem is about our youth. We have to strengthen the financial system for our youths”, President Tinubu mentioned.
“The reforms are about progress and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and abilities growth. We’re emulating finest practices in exploring alternatives in a number of areas of abilities growth.
“We have now a particular schooling mortgage fund now that ensures that nobody is left behind. The fund ensures that college students who acquire admission to universities keep in class and obtain assist to finish their schooling. Our aim is to make use of schooling to drive down poverty,’’ the President added.
President Tinubu famous that the reform spans numerous sectors of the financial system, with a bigger imaginative and prescient of selling concord amongst all stakeholders and guaranteeing long-term synergy to satisfy targets.
The President acknowledged that the laying of fibre optics and different infrastructural initiatives will promote entry and optimise the inclusion of younger folks within the nation’s growth.
He mentioned that the federal government was additionally addressing the problem of safety and crime with notable outcomes and thanked humanitarian companies for helping in ameliorating the plight of victims of terrorism in some components of the nation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economic system, Wale Edun, acknowledged that the median age in Nigeria was 17 years and that reforms had been intentionally structured to create extra alternatives for participation, ability growth and progress.
The Duke of Edinburgh recommended Tinubu on the financial reforms that had been receiving optimistic critiques throughout the globe.
Prince Edward mentioned the award ceremony would rejoice the skills and efforts of Nigerians in pursuing their passions, growing related abilities, and contributing to the nation’s progress and growth.
He revealed that 320 Nigerian youths shall be recognised within the numerous occasions of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Worldwide Award Basis, held in Lagos, with the partnership of the Lagos State Authorities.
Prince Edward recommended the minister of finance for persistently highlighting the function of youths within the ongoing reforms and his “sensible contributions to the internet hosting of the occasion.”
“We have now seen the steerage of the Minister of Finance, who has been a superb trustee and a champion of the younger folks,’’ he added.
The British Excessive Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Excessive Royal Highness’s Non-public Secretary, Alex Potts; the Secretary Normal of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Worldwide Award Basis, Martin Houghton-Brown; and Worldwide Trustee/Chair of the Africa Area, Mr Muhoho Kenyatta, accompanied the Duke to the assembly.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Worldwide Award is a world framework for non-formal schooling, empowering younger folks to develop abilities, resilience, and a spirit of service. It’s delivered by means of colleges, youth organisations, and neighborhood teams worldwide.
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