The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently marked its 50 years in existence with a cake cutting celebration at its Abuja Liaison Office.
The president of MAN, Mansur Ahmed, used the occasion to commend members and the entire staff of the Association for their absolute support and commitment to the ideals of MAN over the years.
He disclosed that the Association is currently working in conjunction with the African Union and various Manufacturers Association in West Africa towards the formation of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association and reviving the Federation of West African Manufacturers Association (FEWAMA) with the active support of the ECOWAS.
Below is the full text of the Welcome Address by Engr. Mansur Ahmed, at the symbolic Cake Cutting Ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of MAN, held on May 07, 2021, at the Association’s Liaison office Abuja:
On behalf of the National Council and members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this symbolic cake cutting ceremony. This event heralds’ series of activities to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. It is with deep appreciation that I acknowledge the presence of our special guests, our strategic partners, gentlemen of the Press, ladies and gentlemen.
As a hybrid event, this cake cutting ceremony is holding simultaneously at our head office and branch offices nationwide in commemoration of our golden jubilee. The day, May 7th will remain special to us. As an Association, it marks our date of incorporation. It also marks the day Nigeria birthed a private sector led advocacy body for its manufacturing sector.
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 comprises 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 Association 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.
And in response to the start -up of the AfCFTA, MAN is an active part of a continental Private Sector Movement to bring the African Private under a single Umbrella – The African Business Council where our President has been elected the Vice President of the Council.
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.
I also sincerely wish to appreciate every member of MAN and the entire staff of the Association for their unalloyed support and commitment towards ensuring our noble Association continues to deliver on its mandate.
At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all our 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. These 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. Additional details will be duly communicated to you through our various channels of communication.
President of MAN, Mansur Ahmed
As we toast to our 50th Anniversary of excellence and look forward to another glorious 50 years, I say Long Live the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Long Live the manufacturing sector, and Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you for making out time to be part of this joyous occasion.
Engr. Mansur Ahmed
President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria
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