From April 13 to 16, the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) conducted a business mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. The delegation was led by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS WBA, and consisted of representatives from various sectors including pharmaceutical and educational sectors, as well as personnel recruitment.
Day 1: April 14
Key Meetings:
Anna Nesterova held a second meeting with Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development. The first meeting in this format took place during last year’s business mission. During the meeting, Anna Nesterova presented new initiatives of the Alliance. Her Excellency expressed interest in developing joint social projects. As part of a business mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Russian Chapter of the BRICS WBA delivered humanitarian aid in the form of 400 units of pharmaceuticals from Velpharm Group company.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, held a meeting with Anna Nesterova. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation, including the opening of a regional office of the BRICS WBA in Nigeria.
Education sector:
Ivan Dzyuban, Vice-Rector for Social Work and Youth Policy of the Russian University of Cooperation, held a meeting with Ms. Obehi Suleiman of the Federal Ministry of Education of Nigeria at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.
Later, a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Education of Niger State and AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State took place. During the negotiations the parties discussed the prospects for educational cooperation, in particular the integration of the Russian University of Cooperation (RUC) educational courses at the AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State, as well as the possibility of opening a branch.
The team of the Russian University of Cooperation (RUC) conducted a series of intensive masterclasses. Russian specialists shared their techniques and secrets in cooking and makeup with their Nigerian colleagues.
Moreover, there was a presentation of educational courses led by the Russian University of Cooperation (RUC) for the Nigerian youth which took place at the Russian Embassy in Abuja.
Pharma Industry:
The Pharma Industry was presented by Alexandra Kudryashova, Executive Director of Velpharm MC. The delegation participated in the Pharma West Africa exhibition in the Lagos and held fruitful meetings withthe management of Ibru Group and with Ms. Chioma Dozie, Founder of Dochiva Pharmatech.
Day 2: April 15
Key meetings:
Anna Nesterova met with Ms. Uchechi Rochas, Director of the charity organization Rochas Foundation. Ms. Uchehci Rochas expressed interest in developing bilateral projects in the fields of education and mentoring, healthcare and labour policy.
During the same day, the Russian Chapter of the BRICS WBA attended a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria. The reception was held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.
Education Sector:
The delegation, headed by Ivan Dzyuban, Vice-Rector for Social Work and Youth Policy of the Russian University of Cooperation, held a meeting with Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawhimi, Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja.
After the meeting Prof. Lyudmila Popova, Head of the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting at Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev, Doctor of Economics, gave a lecture on the topic of “Formation of a personal money management system” at the University of Abuja in front of more than 350 Nigerian students.
Later that day, the Russian University of Cooperation team conducted a second day of master-classes. At the end of the workshops, the Nigerian participants acquired relevant practical skills and received corresponding certificates.
Day 3: April 16
On the final day, CEO and founder of Eshe Fem Health Ltd, Stanislav Che, met with Dr. Ferdinand Umelo, Director of Clinical Services at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, and Dr. Agu Collins Agu, CEO and founder of TD4PAI Hardtech Hub.
All meetings were productive, with both sides exchanging views and outlining next steps for the implementation of joint initiatives.
