Nigerian Business Forum

LEADERSHIP SPEAKER SERIES II

"Nigeria is Open for Business" - Carl Masters, CEO GoodWorks International

Washington, D.C - July 21st, 2005

Washington , D.C, Friday,July 21st, 2005, the Nigerian Business Forum (NBF) hosted its Leadership Speaker Series event at the Ortanique restaurant. The NBF Leadership Speaker Series is an event that highlights a distinguished speaker in business or society, to speak to NBF members and other professionals about business, empowerment and issues affecting the Diaspora.

The guest speaker was Mr.Carlton Masters, CEO of Goodworks International LLC. A leading global advisory firm offering international market access and political risk analysis in key emerging markets within Africa and the Caribbean.

As President and CEO of GWI, Carl Masters plays the lead role in engagements joining numerous Fortune 500 companies with Caribbean and African nations. In the majority of these engagements, Mr. Masters forges new partnerships and facilitates positive interaction between the public and private sectors, relying heavily on his strong and long-established relationships in both sectors. Before forming GoodWorks, Mr. Masters enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in international banking. He held executive positions with the Bank of Montreal in financial centers across North America, Europe and the Caribbean, and was appointed Agent General and Deputy Minister for Trade to the U. S. on behalf of the government of Ontario, Canada

Mr.Masters shared with attendees that Africa is open for business and Nigeria is the gateway. He cited all the commendable economic reforms and improvements happening in Nigeria as of recent. He said "If you are about to do something in Nigeria do it now." He also elucidated on how things are steadily improving and getting better in Nigeria. He encouraged the Diaspora to contribute to the Nigerian economy by investing in the capital market, and in remittances back home to further boost the economy.

Mr.Masters also took time out to commend the present administration of President Obasanjo in ridding Nigeria of corruption in his anti-graft war. He stated that the Transparency International (TI) ranking of Nigeria has steadily improved during the Obasanjo adminstration every year, from the most corrupt country in the world to the 4th most corrupt country in the world. Despite the ranking still being a negative score, it exhibits that some things are changing. "

About Carlton Masters

President and CEO, GoodWorks International, LLC

Before forming GoodWorks, Mr. Masters enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in international banking. He held executive positions with the Bank of Montreal in financial centers across North America, Europe and the Caribbean, and was appointed Agent General and Deputy Minister for Trade to the U. S. on behalf of the government of Ontario, Canada