CEWA appoints Dele Alimi Lagos MD

The management of Clarion Events West Africa (CEWA) has announced the appointment of Dele Alimi, as the Managing Director of its new office in Lagos, Nigeria.

Clarion Events is a global events and media company, headquartered in the UK.

The board in a statement to NEWSVERGE said that the Lagos office is part of its plan to expand its footprint in West Africa.

Until recently Alimi was the Director, Trade Promotion & International Relations, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Lagos.

Speaking on his appointment, Dele Alimi said, “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”.

He continues: “I believe the synergy between Clarion’s vast international experience and my tremendous knowledge of the Nigerian economy will break new ground and establish the brand as the number one show organiser in Africa”.

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, Dele 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.

Clarion’s Group Director for Africa, David Ashdown, says “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 also 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 $510billion in 2014 (The Economist) and is considered the largest economy in Africa. The country has an estimated population of 160million people and a landmass of 910,970km (2014).