The Chairman and Managing Partner, Aluko & Oyebode a leading Nigerian law firm, Gbenga Oyebode Esq., has stated that Nigeria may have the richest as well as the poorest person in the African continent. Mr. Oyebode stated this while delivering the keynote address at this year’s Nigerian Lawyers Association Annual Merit Awards Dinner held at the Broad Street Ballroom in New York over the weekend.
Oyebode, a respected Nigerian lawyer was alluding to the fact that while Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote may be widely regarded as the richest man in Nigeria, the Nigerian populace probably has the poorest African in view of the population growth of the country and the rate of growth of the economy. He explained that although Nigeria’s economy is said to be growing at about 3% rate (GDP), the population is also growing at just about the same rate which then translates to the conclusion that there is really no significant growth (stagnant per capita income).
The established lawyer with a vast knowledge of business investment reiterated the need for investors to be encouraged to invest in Nigeria and to seriously consider the fertile investment opportunities that abound in Nigeria. He cited a few examples including the fact that the highest growth/traffic on internet and social media like Facebook is from Nigeria and that of the phones that will be bought or owned in the next couple of years, Nigerians will actually buy or own half of them. He pointed out that the fact that Nigeria is a fertile ground for investment at this time is evident in the success of such firms as MTN in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Lawyers Association USA, Annual Awards Dinner is an annual gala event organized by Nigerian Lawyers in the USA to honor and appreciate Nigerians who have excelled in the area of Law practice for which it awards the Law and Justice Award and also those who have excelled in other works of life for which it awards the Merits Award. A number of other awards are also handed out to Nigerians and others who contribute to the growth of Nigeria and the well being of Nigerians whether at home or abroad.
