20th Anniversary: ICCN Honours Law Firms, Others, at its 2019 Annual Dinner and Dance
Four law firms were among the organisations drawn from various sectors of the economy, and honoured by the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) last Friday, at its 2019 Annual Dinner and Dance.
The 2019 edition of the Annual Dinner and Dance was, in particular, organised to mark the 20th Anniversary of the ICCN and to celebrate the achievements and milestone of the Chamber, in her 20 years of reorganisation.
The law firms, which were presented with meritorious awards, having joined the membership of the Chamber since her reorganisation 20 years ago are, Ajumogobia & Okeke, Dorothy Ufot & Co., Olawoyin & Olawoyin and Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore.
Other organisations honoured at the event, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, include Deloitte & Touche, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, JOF Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, WAPCO Nigeria Plc, and Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Others are Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Pilot Securities Ltd, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, and WEMA Bank Plc.
According to ICCN Secretary General, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, the honoured organisations have contributed immensely to the growth of the Chamber, and have been part of the process that has seen the Chamber rise from a membership of 10 organisations, to over 120 members in the last 20 years.
The theme of this year’s Dinner and Dance, which had the Founder/Managing Director, Interswitch Group, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe deliver the Keynote address, was ‘Make Technology Work for All’.
Mrs. Osuntuyi said the theme for the 2019 Dinner and Dance, is one of the five topics ICCN had chosen to focus on, for her Centenary anniversary.
In his welcome Address, Chairman, ICC Nigeria and Regional Coordinator, Sub Saharan Africa, Mr. Babatunde Savage, FCA, said ICC Nigeria’s focus is on technology, because it is crucial to the success of any economic sector or business venture.
Savage noted that, every leap forward in technology can be a leap forward in human benefit, if managed properly.
“ICC Nigeria’s focus on ‘Make Technology Work For All’ presenting the successful experience of a highly innovative business like Interswitch Limited, is most appropriate. Applied technology for the consumer; Technology for greater transparency in business and public management; Technology for education; Artificial intelligence and protection, to mention a few. The growth of this company and the planned move to the capital market, is phenomenal.
“Technological progress has led to immense productivity gains. This was the case during the first industrial revolution—and is still the case today. You will agree with me that, technology is a critical resource on which business, governments and society-at-large, hinge. Leveraging insights from artificial intelligence, big data and mobile technology, stakeholders in the industry noted that, this Dinner would focus on encouraging the dissemination of technical knowledge and technologies related to the sustainability of the country. Every leap forward in technology, can be a leap forward in human benefit, if managed properly.
“Technology is crucial to the success of any economic sector, or business venture. However, to tackle the menace of corruption in Nigeria, experts have advised on the use of technology. Adopting and harnessing technology would reduce the opportunities for corruption, ensure transparency, accountability, and promote ethical practices. They stressed that, irrespective of the organisation, products or services, there is a technology solution that suits your need”, ICCN Chairman added.
Savage commended Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, ICCN Chairman Emeritus, for his pioneering role of restructuring the Chamber 20 years ago. He also applauded the contributions of the ICCN Commission on Arbitration under the Chairmanship of Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin, SAN, for successfully hosting the ICC Africa Regional Conference on International Arbitration in Nigeria in four years consecutively.
“In partnership with the International Court of Arbitration, in four years consecutively, ICC Africa Regional Conference on International Arbitration took place in Lagos, Nigeria. We are delighted to have impacted on over 1,000 Arbitrators, business leaders from different parts of the world. Let me at this juncture, applaud the contributions of the ICCN Commission on Arbitration under the Chairmanship of Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin,SAN. I thank the Planning Committee, the Speakers, Sponsors and Partners for the Conference, while hoping for a greater outing in 2020. I also commend other members serving in different capacities, and for the financial commitments to attend international assignments.
“Let me at this juncture acknowledge that, as the Chairman of the Board of ICC Nigeria, I am proud of the achievements of our Chamber in the year under review and the pioneering role of Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, ICCN Chairman Emeritus. I wish to sieze this opportunity, to congratulate Members and Management. It is increasingly important for the private sector to position itself, as a constructive partner. We plan to collaborate with like minds, to further make our world a better place for all.
“As we look to the future with great optimism, it is my fervent hope that we will continue to work harder, to lift ICC Nigeria to loftier and enviable heights. Our calendar of activities and events, will be supported by a comprehensive social media and web campaign”, Mr. Savage stated.