Nigerian energy leader and APC chieftain, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, was honored on Wednesday at the Celebrate America 250 event in Washington D.C., where he used the global platform to advocate for stronger engagement between the United States and Nigeria to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria and the entire African continent.
Jack-Rich, who is President of Belemaoil Group, received the prestigious US 250 Years Friend of US Award presented by Eric Trump in the presence of senior U.S. Congressional members, including Rep. Jim Jordan, business leaders, and other international dignitaries.
Describing the recognition as a pivotal moment, Jack-Rich said it offered a rare opportunity to amplify Nigeria’s voice and strengthen Africa’s place in U.S. policy and investment conversations.
“It is a great honour to celebrate U.S. 250 and have the opportunity to be in the right network to help Nigeria, help Africa and give both a stronger voice,” he said.
“We had congressmen, senior politicians, business leaders and the President’s son listening carefully to Africa’s perspective, that is the value of being in the right room.”
He stressed that meaningful relationships with policymakers and investors are essential to unlocking trade, investment, and development opportunities. According to him, Africa’s immense natural resources and youthful population position it as one of the world’s most compelling investment destinations.
“Africa has enormous resources, and platforms like this allow us to tell the Nigerian story from an African point of view,” Jack-Rich noted.
“I have consistently advocated building trade platforms and opportunities where the dignity of African people becomes part of the strategic policy priorities of this administration.”
On security and governance, Jack-Rich highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance to regional stability. He commended the President’s involvement in addressing insecurity, saying it has drawn global attention and reinforced the need for sustained engagement.
“Such high-level engagements are invaluable, especially during periods of national and continental challenges,” he said.
Jack-Rich also addressed geopolitical competition in Africa, urging the U.S. to regard the continent as a long-term strategic ally rather than merely a source of raw materials.
“The U.S. should know that Africa is an important ally,” he stated. Responding to concerns about the influence of rival powers, he added: “They talked about countries like China and Russia. I told them the issue is that Africa naturally partners with those who make themselves available. The African people are looking for opportunities to grow. Whatever opportunities are available are naturally the ones they engage.”
He, however, maintained that a partnership with the U.S. remains the most sustainable due to “America’s enduring institutions, innovation and investment culture. A partnership with the U.S. is more sustainable because its footprints can outlive generations.”
The Belemaoil boss said the Celebrate America 250 event demonstrated the power of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that deeper collaboration in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade would unlock Nigeria’s vast economic potential and accelerate Africa’s development.
“Africa has everything it needs to realise its full potential. What we require are trusted partnerships, expanded opportunities and greater access to global markets,” he concluded.