MAN host the symbolic cake cutting ceremony to mark 50th anniversary

The National Council and members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN has held the symbolic cake cutting ceremony which heralds series of activities to celebrate the Association’s 50th Anniversary in Abuja.

Engr. Mansur Ahmed, President, MAN, in his welcome address stated that cake cutting ceremony held simultaneously at the head office and branch offices nationwide in commemoration of its golden jubilee.

Engr. Ahmed highlighted that May 7th will remain special to them as an Association because it marks the date of incorporation as well as the day Nigeria birthed a private sector led advocacy body for its manufacturing sector.

President, MAN, Ahmed said “From a humble beginning in 1971, MAN has evolved into the authentic voice of manufacturers in Nigeria – a credible platform for the private sector to formulate and articulate policy suggestions that complement government’s efforts in the overall interest of the economy. This could not have been possible without the long-standing commitment and immense support of our strategic partners, both local and international.

“Today, MAN’s membership strength is over 2,500 which comprise the multinationals, large corporations, small and medium scale industries. These members are serviced through our fourteen (14) branches nationwide; ten sectoral (10) and seventy-six (76)) sub-sectoral groups; The Abuja Liaison Office and the National Head Office in Lagos.

“In West Africa and Africa, MAN has played significant roles in fostering collaboration amongst manufacturers and advancing the interest and recognition of the Private Sector. We are currently mobilizing the various Manufacturers Associations in West Africa to revive the Federation of West African Manufacturers Association (FEWAMA) with the active support of ECOWAS. At the same time in conjunction with the African Union, MAN is leading the formation of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association.

“As we celebrate our giant strides in the last 50 years, this cake cutting ceremony commemorates the immense contributions of our founding fathers: Late Chief Adeola Odutola, Chief Jerome Udoji, Late Babatunde Jose, Alhaji Hassan Adamu (Wakili Adamawa) and a host of others.”

He appreciated every member of MAN and the entire staff of the Association for their unalloyed support and commitment towards ensuring the Association continues to deliver on its mandate.

Engr. Ahmed appealed to all partners in government, international agencies, organised private sector, members and other invited guests to be part of the activities lined up to mark the 50th Anniversary celebration.

According to him, the 50th Anniversary activities include: lecture on industrialization in Africa, A 3-day Exhibition of Made in Nigeria Products, An evening with the Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO), the 5th Annual Manufacturers’ Conference, and MAN at 50 Dinner/Award Night, adding that further details will be duly communicated through their various channels of communication.

Among those that gave good will messages at the event include: The Minister of Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali of Committee on Industry, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello, Minister FCT, Abuja and Representative of the Minister of  Finance, Fatima Hayatu.

Senator Alkali applauded MAN on its 50 years anniversary and pledged that the National Assembly will continue to provide the necessary legislature, other interventions, and government policies that will boost manufacturing practices for industrialization.

Alhaji  Mohammed Musa Bello, Minister FCT, Abuja extolled the Association on its achievements and announced that his administration will make FCT Abuja an industrial Hub and Industrial Zone, while urging business owners to come to Abuja to invest.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo lauded MAN for the great work they are doing that had influenced quality policy formulation as well as attracted over $40billion in the last 20 years to the country.

On her part, Representative of the Minister of Finance, Fatima Hayatu commended MAN for their good work in the growth of the economy of the nation and assured of the ministry of finance continuous support to the association.