Then, it was off to Guaranty Trust Bank (www.gtbplc.com), where the management team led by Cathy Echeozo, a board member gave a presentation on the Nigerian banking industry, challenges and prospects. The bank, which is one of the country's leading banks is considered a Nigerian success stories and subject of case studies by Harvard Business School . With little time to spare (and fortunately little traffic), it was off to Shell for a presentation on the exploration and production industry in Nigeria . Finally, a last stop at Coca Cola's Nigeria office where there were discussions with Carl Willis, the Franchise Director for Nigeria . Afterwards, a dinner was hosted by the management team of RT Briscoe (www.rtbriscoe.com) a Ford and Toyota franchise holder. However, it was an experience driving through heavy Lagos traffic taking 4 hours to cover a 40 minute distance! You have to see it to believe it.

Next day, it was off to Abuja , the Nigerian capital. Built as a new capital to move away from the congestion of Lagos , it was a very interesting contrast to Lagos. The group were guests of the Minister for the Federal Capital, and were given a tour of the city. Unfortunately, the Minister was called by the President at the last minute, but the team held interesting discussions with his staff about the country's history, political and social challenges and prospects for the future. There was a visit to the Nike art gallery where the group was received with music and dancing. The high quality art included works were by some of Nigeria's most famous artists. Lunch was an opportunity to have discussions with some of the young people working with the minister to manage Abuja and retain its status as a leading city in Nigeria.

Back to Lagos and the team held a second volunteer event in partnership with LEAP Africa (www.leapafrica.org). It was another interesting session attended by young entrepreneurs in software, shoe making, textiles, telecoms and several other industries. It was an interesting learning experience for all participants with London Business School students challenging the participants to expand the scope of their business ideas, presenting tips on business planning and providing insights into financiers' expectations. It was also an opportunity to meet Ndidi Nwuneli, who is a widely acclaimed youth leader in Africa. Later that afternoon, there was a late lunch meeting with Ernest Madike who heads GSK's business in 24 markets of Africa. There, the pharmaceutical industry in Africa was discussed in more detail and the participants gained very useful insights. In the evening, the group hosted an information session attended by over 40 young people considering attending London Business School . It was a good opportunity to socialise with young professionals and promote the School. The student participants shared some of their experiences at the School while Alero Otobo and Pekka Suonio gave insights from an alumni perspective.

Then, it was off to a Nigerian wedding! The LBS group were all dressed up in local attire and our international group drew significant positive attention from both the guests and media. It was a very colourful event with lots of music, beautiful attire, friendly people and interesting activities. A few people have spotted footage of the participants dancing at the occasion being broadcast on satellite TV in the UK . There were also opportunities to sample the nightlife with attendance to "Lagbaja" performance at the Motherlan' and partying at a hip night club. That was really something!

In the end, the group was sad to leave and have very good memories of the trip!

According to the organisers: "The participants were an excellent reflection of the diversity of the School community. We had British, Finn, Dutch, Chinese, Senegalese, Kenyan, Norwegian, Canadian, Nigerian and South African participants. Most of the companies and professionals we encountered were impressed by the diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds. It was a really good opportunity to showcase some of the selling points of the School.

Organising this trip was another opportunity to discover and explore opportunities provided by the alumni and advisory board resource pool. We received support from alumni based in Nigeria and the UK, while the Africa Regional Advisory Board members assisted from London, Lagos, Johannesburg. We received very generous support from Guinness Ghana, GSK, AngloGold Ashanti, Oando, RT Briscoe and several alumni who were very active in organising the trip. In particular, we would like to thank Alero Otobo who assisted with many aspects of the trip's organisation and helped greatly to make it a success. We were also helped by Kerry Rowland of the RAB office."

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