Events

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole honoured with Distinguished Public Service Award by NACC

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2025

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, received the Distinguished Public Service Award from NACC for driving economic development

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has been honoured with the Distinguished Public Service & Strategic Investment Champion Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC).

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This prestigious accolade was presented at the NACC’s 65th Anniversary Dinner and Presidential Inauguration, a landmark event held over the weekend at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

The event, themed “The Power of Co-operation: 65 Years of Optimizing Nigerian-American Economic Relations,” also marked the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of the NACC.

The NACC recognised Dr. Oduwole for her exceptional leadership in fostering a business-friendly environment, implementing strategic investment policies, enhancing trade opportunities, and promoting export growth.

The Chamber further commended her dedicated efforts towards industrialisation and job creation, acknowledging that her initiatives have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s overall economic development.

“This award recognises her impactful role in driving sustainable investment and supporting industrial expansion across Nigeria,” the NACC stated.

Other notable highlights of the anniversary celebration included the unveiling of the NACC’s new multi-storey headquarters building and the induction of 52 new members into the chamber.

In his inaugural address, Alhaji Balogun reaffirmed the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to driving economic growth and facilitating trade. “My vision for the Chamber is founded on three pillars – Expansion, Innovation, and Impact,” he declared.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Cooperatives, lauded the NACC’s pivotal role in promoting economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

He also pledged the state government’s continuous support for enabling business reforms within Lagos.

Among the 34 award recipients at the event were Prime Minister Americo D’Oliveira Dos Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe, Chief Michael AdeOjo, Arthur Eze, and Chief Pius Akinyelure.

The Chamber also paid posthumous tributes to the late Ambassador Walter Carrington, Mr. Richard Kramer, and Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Texas.

Since its establishment in 1960, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has consistently served as West Africa’s oldest bilateral chamber, actively promoting trade and investment between Nigeria and the United States through strategic missions, high-level engagements, and member-led initiatives.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

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The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.