Ambassador Aminu Honoured in U.S.

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) today, Wednesday February 5, 2003 rolled out the red carpet for outgoing Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Professor Jibril Aminu.

The organization hosted a farewell luncheon in honour of Professor Aminu at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Avenue here in Washington, D.C.

In attendance were dignitaries from al walks of life including captains of industries diplomats etc. all of whom paid glowing tributes to Professor Aminu's remarkable achievement as Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States.

Former American Ambassador to Nigeria and Chairman of CCA Nigeria working group Ambassador William Twaddell while introducing Professor Aminu described him as a "paragon".

Responding to the encomiums poured on him, Professor Aminu expressed appreciation to the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) Exxon-Mobil, Africare, State Department, etc for the co-operation extended to him throughout his tour of duty.

He particularly praised Corporate Council on Africa's pioneering effort in the promulgation of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and stressed the need to expand US-Nigeria economic relations beyond the oil sector.

Nigeria according to him has so much to offer the American market in the non-oil sector. He solicited American understanding whenever any section of the Nigerian society expresses disagreement with her policies pointing out that such displays are positive attributes of our emerging democratic dispensation.

Professor promised to work back home with other like-minded Nigerians to strengthen US-Nigeria relations.

Mr. Kenneth Evans, Vice President Exxon-Mobil Corporation presented a parting gift on behalf of CCA to Ambassador Aminu.

F.K. Martins
Head of Information
Embassy of Nigeria
Washington, DC
February 5, 2003