18 November 2014 - As part of its economic diplomacy activities, Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex Lamadrid delivered a special message at the AIM GLOBAL Nigeria’s 2nd Anniversary celebration as guest speaker on November 08. More than 3,000 delegates and affiliates from the AIM GLOBAL network in Nigeria attended the event, which was held at the Balmoral Convention Center in Ikeja, Nigeria.
AIM GLOBAL Nigeria is a Philippine-owned multilevel marketing (MLM) company which distributes food supplements and health products in Nigeria as well as in other neighboring countries in Africa. Filipinos make up a significant number of AIM Global’s marketing officers and staff in Nigeria.
In his message, Ambassador Lamadrid conveyed his felicitations on the company’s second anniversary celebration, and his appreciation for AIM GLOBAL’s contribution towards improved trade and investment between the Philippines and Nigeria. He also conveyed the greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III, and highlighted the economic and political gains achieved by the Aquino Administration, particularly the significant reduction of poverty and the remarkable increase in the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP), which are attributable to President Aquino’s espousal of daang matuwid or righteous and good governance particularly through the fight against all forms of corruption in government and in the private sector. The Ambassador also noted the “investment” grade ratings given by international credit rating agencies as a vote of confidence on the Philippine economy.
Ambassador Lamadrid invited the convention delegates to visit the Philippines to explore trade and investment opportunities in one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. He likewise highlighted the many possibilities for education and training, medical tourism, ecotourism, and retirement in the country.
Ambassador Lamadrid expressed sincere appreciation to kind-hearted Nigerians for the assistance that they rendered to the areas ravaged by supertyphoon Haiyan/Yolanda, which struck the Philippines exactly a year ago. In commemoration of the thousands of people who perished during the typhoon, the delegates observed a minute of silence.
The anniversary celebration commenced with the singing of the Nigerian and Philippine national anthems, followed by song and dance numbers by energetic and colorfully attired bands and dance troupes, as well as welcome remarks by Health in Motion Chairman Emmanuel Akpakwu. Outstanding distributors and associates of AIM GLOBAL Nigeria received recognition as well as special prizes including cars and other valuable prizes. A special video message from AIM GLOBAL Founder Doc Ed Cabantog capped the celebration. END