Nigeria: Obama Appoints Citizen Member of Trade Policy Advisory Committee

http://allafrica.com/stories/201009200685.html

Mohammed Shosanya

Lagos — President Barrack Obama has appointed a Nigerian based in the United States, Dr. Kase Lawal as a member, Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Dr. Lawal is also the Chairman of CAMAC International Corporation, an integrated oil and gas company with several subsidiaries including Allied Nigeria Plc operating in deep offshore. He is serving his 6th term on the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

The Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations comprising 30 members, according to a statement, is tasked with providing policy advice on trade matters and is made up of members who represent key sectors and groups of the economy. President Obama said: "I am grateful that these highly qualified men and women have agreed to lend their talents to this administration as we work to boost our nation's exports over the next five years.

"When ninety-five percent of the world's customers are beyond our borders, it is crucial that we compete for that business and those jobs. And we need to do so in a way that is responsible and fair. I look forward to the wise counsel these individuals will provide on these issues as we work together in the coming months and years."

Lawal who is also the Vice Chairman of the Houston Airport System Development Corporation and Vice Chairman of Unity National Bank has been engaged in philanthropic activities such as Cancer Awareness campaign in Nigeria.

He was a member of the United States Presidential Trade Advisory Committee on Africa during the Bush and Clinton administrations. He also served as a member of the National Urban League Board of Directors and as member of the Board of Trustees for Fisk University.