Dele Alimi has been appointed managing director of the new Clarion Events West Africa office (CEWA) that has opened in Lagos, Nigeria.
Until recently Alimi was the director, Trade Promotion & International Relations, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Lagos.
Clarion Events is a global events and media company, headquartered in the UK.
“Joining an international brand like Clarion Events presents an opportunity to lead Nigeria’s foray into excellence in hosting of business events and exhibitions, which will help reposition the Nigerian economy and provide the much needed international investments by organising shows that will expose the deep potential of Africa’s largest economy,” said Dele Alimi.
He continues: “I believe the synergy between Clarion’s vast international experience and my extensive knowledge of the Nigerian economy will break new ground and establish the brand as the number one show organiser in Africa.”
Vast experience
The new CEWA MD has over two decades cognate professional experience which has seen him holding key positions in various organisations in sectors such as media, finance, marketing communication, manufacturing, trade promotion and the service industry before his present position as MD of Clarion Events West Africa.
A journalist, marketer, communicator and administrator by training and vocation, Alimi has vast experience in business event organisation, including being the arrow head of the hosting of West Africa largest and best organised trade fair, the annual Lagos International Trade Fair, for the last seven years.
Expecting great things from CEWA
Clarion’s group director for Africa, David Ashdown, said: “Clarion Events West Africa will focus exclusively on quality trade exhibitions in the local market and region. We are very excited to realise this opportunity in Lagos where the market will rapidly develop in time with the local and regional economic growth. We are thrilled that Dele is joining us as he will be a great asset to the team and the group. We are expecting great things from CEWA”.
Lisa Hannant, group managing director at Clarion Events, agrees: “Clarion Events is very excited to expand its footprint in West Africa. I believe our timing is perfect. Nigeria presents huge business potential for any investor and trade exhibitions have an important role to play in providing access to this market and creating networking business opportunities. With so much untapped potential, the Nigerian market is still wide open to investors.”
Nigeria’s economy was valued at US$510bn in 2014 (The Economist) and is considered the largest economy in Africa. The country has an estimated population of 160 million people and a landmass of 910,970km (2014).
Upcoming events by Clarion Events West Africa:
Multimodal West Africa, January 30 – February 1, 2017 (Landmark Centre, Lagos)
– Focused on transport & logistics solutions.
Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo feat. mPAD, March 14-16, 2017 (Landmark Centre, Lagos)
– The inaugural Nigeria Manufacturing Expo in March this year welcomed more than 2,600 manufacturing experts over three days.
– Kenya Manufacturing and Equipment Expo feat. mPAD, September 26-28, 2017 (KICC, Nairobi)
