By InvestAdvocate

Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)-Africa’s Top Bank, Access Bank Plc has partnered the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) in hosting the Commonwealth Business Forum at the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia.

This was contained in a Statement from the Bank on Wednesday made available by Fafore Olusegun Michael of the Public Relation and Media unit and obtained by www.investadvocateng.com.

“Specifically, Access Bank sponsored the African Day session, which is an integral part of activities lined up for the Commonwealth Business Forum at the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia” the Statement said.

The programme themed “Partnering for Global Growth: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and the Pacific Rim”, examined avenues for enhancing new global economic partnerships for trade and investment in key sectors across the Commonwealth and beyond” the Statement said.

Meanwhile, Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria urged investors to look the way of Africa in making their investment decisions. Speaking on the topic” Unleashing Africa’s potentials: A new vision”.

President Jonathan said that this time is different for Africa and stated the need for commonwealth nations to take advantage of the clement economic advantage in Nigeria, “I promise investors that returns in Africa will surpass anywhere else in the world” the Statement said.

“With over 160 million Nigerians, Nigeria is every investor’s delight. “We will turn the innovative energy of youths into a positive economic force,” President Jonathan said.

However, Dr. Mohan Kaul, Director General (DG) of the CBC, commended Access Bank for taking up the sponsorship of the African Day at the Commonwealth Business Forum while describing the Bank as a reliable partner that has demonstrated commitment and support for the organisation’s activities across the commonwealth.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Managing Director (GMD) of Access Bank who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of Nigeria and Access Bank at the session, commended the CBC for its exceptional commitment to fostering business growth among Commonwealth nations in the last 10 years.

In the same vein, Aig-Imoukhuede also commended the Co-Chairs of the organisation, Dr. Pascal Dozie and Sir Allan Fields for their visionary leadership.

He praised Presidents Jonathan and Paul Kagame for their good leadership qualities in Africa; acknowledging them as growth engines for the continent.

The Statement further said that Access Bank’s sponsorship of the event is aimed at facilitating collaboration among the critical stakeholders across the globe on new global economic partnerships for trade and investment in key sectors across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The event had in attendance 54 Heads of State and over 1000 business leaders from across the globe. Notable among the heads of states in attendance are President Jonathan, Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia, Armando Guebuza, President of Mozambique and Hifikepunye Pohamba, President Namibia amongst others.