Mazi Godson Azu Leads CaterandMerger Consult UK Delegation on Courtesy Visit to Nigerian High Commissioner Ambassador Amin Dalhatu

The Chief Executive Officer of CaterandMerger Consult UK, Mazi Godson Azu, recently led a high-level delegation comprising the organisation’s associate partners and advisory board members on a courtesy meeting with His Excellency, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, the new High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Court of St James’s, London.

The meeting, held in the High Commissioner’s office, at the Nigeria High Commission in London, marked an important step in strengthening existing relationships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in advancing Nigeria–United Kingdom trade, investment, education, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.

The CaterandMerger Consult UK delegation included:

• Mazi Godson Azu – Chief Executive Officer, CaterandMerger Consult UK;
• Professor Kishan Devani BEM FRSA – Advisory Board Member on Trade Relations;
• Professor Chris Imafidon – Advisory Board Member on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies;
• Chief Ambassador Uzo Owunne – Associate Partner, INGO UK (Africa Pavilion);
• Mr. Omar Hussain – Associate Partner, ILMORA Holdings Ltd UK; and
• Mr. Ibe Amaechi – Associate Partner, Africa Pavilion.

His Excellency received the delegation alongside members of the High Commission’s Trade and Investment Department, led by Mr. Magaji, who welcomed the visitors and facilitated the opening introductions.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mazi Godson Azu congratulated Ambassador Dalhatu on his appointment and formal resumption of office, after his presentation of letter of credence to His. Majesty The King, and formally introduced the members of his delegation. He highlighted that the visit was primarily intended to familiarise CaterandMerger Consult UK, leadership, the partners with the High Commissioner, reaffirm CaterandMerger Consult UK’s longstanding and productive relationship with the Nigeria High Commission, particularly the Trade and Investment Department, and express the organisation’s commitment to deepening cooperation in support of Nigeria’s economic diplomacy objectives.

He noted that for over eight years, CaterandMerger Consult UK has maintained constructive engagement with the mission in promoting trade, investment, enterprise development, and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Mazi Azu further briefed His Excellency on several major initiatives scheduled for 2026, including:

• the forthcoming Africa Pavilion in Glasgow;
• the Voice Achievers Awards 2026, scheduled for August; and
• the 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards, scheduled for October 2026.

Formal letters of invitation were presented to the High Commissioner, accompanied by a request for the mission’s support, participation, and official representation at these flagship events. His Excellency graciously acknowledged the invitations and expressed appreciation for the initiatives.

Each member of the delegation subsequently introduced themselves and outlined potential areas of collaboration with the High Commission.

Professor Kishan Devani BEM FRSA thanked the High Commissioner for the warm reception and pledged his continued support in fostering stronger goodwill between Nigeria and the British business community. Drawing from his extensive experience and networks within the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, he expressed confidence in Ambassador Dalhatu’s leadership and his ability to elevate the profile and impact of the Nigerian mission.

Professor Chris Imafidon emphasised the urgent need to address the widening skills gap created by the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives that equip Nigerian youths with the entrepreneurial, technological, and innovation-driven skills required to thrive in the global digital economy.

Chief Ambassador Uzo Owunne spoke extensively on the ongoing preparations for the Africa Pavilion in Glasgow. He appealed for the institutional support of the High Commission in mobilising major Nigerian institutions and corporate organisations, both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, to participate actively in the initiative.

He officially reaffirmed Mazi Godson Azu’s role as the Coordinator of the proposed Nigeria House at the Africa Pavilion and called for closer working relations with the Trade and Investment Department. He further requested the High Commission’s assistance in reactivating engagement with the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), under the leadership of President Prince Adewale Olashore, particularly as preparations for the Glasgow event gather momentum.

Mr. Omar Hussain briefed the High Commissioner on ILMORA Holdings Ltd UK’s expanding international education initiatives. He explained that the organisation currently recruits and supports students from several countries, including India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, and is now extending its operations into Nigeria through its partnership with CaterandMerger Consult UK.

He highlighted innovative programmes designed to benefit prospective students and partner universities, including secure online learning platforms, pathway study routes, outsourced academic study centres, and collaborative educational models aimed at expanding access to quality international education.

Mr. Ibe Amaechi shared insights into his role as Global Branding and Marketing Lead for the Africa Pavilion. Leveraging his international experience and networks across the sports, entertainment, and creative industries, he expressed optimism about attracting strategic partnerships and global visibility for the initiative.

In his response, His Excellency Ambassador Amin Dalhatu expressed sincere appreciation to the delegation for the visit, noting that such engagements were particularly valuable at the early stage of his diplomatic assignment in the United Kingdom.

He commended CaterandMerger Consult UK for convening the meeting and reiterated the mission’s readiness to collaborate with credible stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s development agenda.

The High Commissioner reaffirmed that the Trade and Investment Department remains one of the most critical components of the High Commission’s operations, with a mandate to attract investment, facilitate trade opportunities, and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He further revealed that one of his key priorities is changing negative perceptions about Nigeria by encouraging Nigerians to tell their own stories and project a more balanced, authentic, and positive narrative about the country and its people.

According to him, initiatives such as the Africa Pavilion and the proposed Nigeria House present excellent platforms to showcase Nigeria’s innovation, creativity, entrepreneurial excellence, and emerging opportunities to a global audience.

Describing the Africa Pavilion as a strategic nation-branding opportunity, Ambassador Dalhatu expressed his willingness to support the initiative and indicated his interest in attending and participating in the event. He also assured the delegation that he would engage with the leadership of the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce regarding possible support and collaboration.

On matters relating to education, skills development, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, the High Commissioner welcomed the proposals presented by Professor Imafidon and Mr. Omar Hussain. He acknowledged the growing relevance of initiatives such as university partnerships, capacity building, and the establishment of satellite campuses by interested international institutions in Nigeria. He further indicated that the mission would be pleased to facilitate subsequent discussions aimed at advancing these areas of mutual interest.

The highly productive meeting, characterised by openness, strategic dialogue, and moments of warmth and humour, concluded with presentations of goodwill gifts to His Excellency. Professor Kishan Devani BEM FRSA presented a commemorative gift on behalf of CaterandMerger Consult UK, while Professor Chris Imafidon also offered a personal token of appreciation to the High Commissioner.

The meeting ended with both individual and group photographs involving the delegation, His Excellency Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, and members of the Trade and Investment Department.

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its global partnerships and reposition its international image, engagements of this nature demonstrate the growing role of the diaspora, private sector actors, and strategic partners in complementing the work of diplomatic missions in promoting sustainable development, investment opportunities, and positive nation branding.