The Nigerian-Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) has conferred its citizen award on the Chairman and Founder of NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the financial services sector in Nigeria and beyond.

The association also honoured the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during its Gala Night event to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day in Calgary, Canada last weekend.

The NCAC President, Dr. Patrick Etokudo, who spoke at the event, 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.

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“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.

Speaking at the event, Oduoza thanked the association for the award, and called on Nigerians and Africans in Canada and other countries to prioritise investments in Nigeria and on the continent, saying the situation at home was not as bad as being portrayed by some sections of the media.

“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.

The 2022 Nigerian independence anniversary was attended by leaders in business, public, and private sectors including representatives of the Governor of Alberta and Nigerian High Commissioner.

The Star