BY ILESANMI MOTUNRAYO OLUKEMI
The French 2025 ended on Friday, 14 November 2025 with a glamorous celebration to draw curtains on weeklong programme packaged to mark the 40th anniversary of Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The ceremony, a gala night and award ceremony was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event attracted VIPs and notable individuals in the French and Nigeria diplomatic and business communities.
P.M. EXPRESS reports that the Consul General of France Laurent Favier officially closed the French Week 2025 alongside the President of the Chamber, Mr Guillaume Niarfeix.
While delivering his opening closing remarks, the Consul General was happy that “we have an eventful week and round it off with a special gala. Since 1985, the Chamber has been able to resonate with good relationships between France and Nigeria. The gala is an opportunity to honor credible people in the past four decades, the amazing patron, past presidents and outstanding distinguished partners,” he said.
Favier commended sponsors and partners for their generous contribution to make the week a success. He enjoined the Chamber to keep the momentum going for a robust relationship between France and Nigeria businesses.
“It is noteworthy that we celebrate 40 years of friendship. The gala is to celebrate those who have contributed to this ecosystem,” he said.
The 40th Anniversary Dinner & Award Ceremony honored visionary leaders and celebrated four decades of thriving Franco‑Nigerian partnerships.
The following individuals and corporate entities were awarded during the ceremony
Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale, MFR, President, FNCCI (2014 – 2018)
Honoured for his exemplary leadership as a former FNCCI President and contributions to deepening Franco-Nigerian trade while strengthening Nigeria’s insurance and financial sectors.
Engr. Akin Laguda, President, FNCCI (1997 – 2000)
Honoured for his visionary leadership as a former Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and his pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s engineering and financial industries.
Alhaji Usman Mohammed, President, FNCCI (2020 – 2024)
Honoured for visionary leadership during the COVID-19 era and establishing support for startups while strengthening France–Nigeria business partnerships in the energy and trade sectors.
Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu, Former Treasurer, FNCCI
Honoured for her outstanding service as FNCCI Treasurer and her distinguished leadership in Nigeria’s banking and finance industry.
Mr. Akin Akinbola, Former Director General, FNCCI
Honoured for his invaluable contributions as the former Director General in promoting Franco-Nigerian trade relations and advancing business relations between both countries.
Forvis Mazars
Honoured for its strategic partnership and commitment to the signature CFO Luncheon Series while delivering world-class audit, tax and advisory services that advance corporate governance, financial transparency and cross-border investment.
KPMG
Honoured for its strategic partnership in convening and empowering business executives through the CEO Luncheon Series, while delivering world-class audit, tax and advisory services that advance corporate governance, financial transparency and cross-border investment.
Zenith Bank
Honoured for its unwavering support of the Chamber’s mission, its commitment to advocating for and empowering women entrepreneurs and startups in Nigeria’s economy.
Access Bank
Honoured for its enduring support as French Week’s headline sponsor and its dedication to strengthening Franco-Nigerian economic ties.
United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Honoured for its longstanding partnership and support of the Chamber’s Mandate on economic policies and collaborations, advancing financial innovation and bilateral trade relations between France and Nigeria.
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