U.S President Elect, Donald Trump has appointed Nigerian-born Adebayo Ogunlesi as a member of his economic advisory forum. Ogunlesi who is the chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm and one of Fortune 500 companies is well known a s financial whiz in business circles.
The 63 year-old Nigerian is the only African face in the 16-man team, which has Steve Schwarzman, CEO of private-equity giant Blackstone as chairman.
The Nigerian community in U.S. has lauded this appointment, saying it could signal a positive trend for Africa.
In an interview with a Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, Nigerians stated that Ogunlesi has been an excellent ambassador for Africa and Nigeria in particular.
Michael Adeniyi, former President of a Nigerian U.S.-based group, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians Inc. (OAN Inc), told NAN that “Bayo Ogunlesi is an excellent and extraordinary Nigerian.
“He is very humble, brilliant and outstanding in every way you can think of. He has achieved outstanding success in Wall Street and he’s a proud ambassador of Africa, which he started in Kings College.
For him to be appointed into Trump’s Economic Advisory Team is a honour to Africa and especially to Nigeria. He will add value to the Trump’s team and he’s worthy of celebrating.
Another Nigerian, Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, a Professor of Global Affairs and Political Science, at Rutgers University and Farmingdale State College, said Ogunlesi has all it takes to contribute to a positive American economic outlook
“Mr Ogunlesi has an impressive background and will be able to add his perspective and vast knowledge on how to move America forward that will yield positive economic outcomes,” Odugbesan-Omede said.
Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Pastor Akinremi Bolaji, said Ogunlesi’s appointment was a positive development for Nigeria and Africa.
“I am not speaking for the Nigerian diplomatic community because I am not in the position to do so; it’s for the Embassy in Washington to do.
Speaking as a Nigerian, it is a good indication and positive development for Africa and Nigeria that we are among the best brains everywhere.
It is also to show you that one in every five Blacks is a Nigerian. It is a good indication for our economic and foreign policy.
