·         "My name is Ann Grant and I am happy to be here on behalf of Standard Charterd Bank which has a strong interest both in Japan and a track record in Japan and many African countries". Ms. Ann Grant, Vice Chair, Standard Chartered Bank, and Her Majesty's former British High Commissioner to South Africa 2000 – 2005, British High Commission, South Africa. (okra event 2008)

·         "My name is Anthony Julius, I am the Deputy Chairman of the law firm Mishcon de Reya. We are a huge fan of Bertha's which is principally why I am here tonight and okra eXpress I should say. We are assembled to discuss a matter of great moments and we have a very distinguished panel of speakers". (Dr. Anthony Julius, Deputy Chairman, Head of Public Advocacy, Mishcon de Reya. Anthony Julius is a highly regarded litigation lawyer and an acknowledged legal expert on defamation. As the Firm’s senior solicitor advocate, he has appeared in both High Court and the Court of Appeal and acted for many high profile clients. He taught part-time in the Law Faculty, UCL, for three years and is currently a Visiting Professor at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is also Vice- President of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, and was one of the charity's founders and its first Chairman. (okra event Event 2010).

·         "Thank you Chair. At the outset, let me express our gratitude to okra events for arranging this important meeting and I think it’s very timeless that we have a reflection on our progress on Africa EU strategic partnership". His Excellency, Dr. Anil Sooklal, Ambassador of South Africa to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Chief of Mission to the European Union. Embassy of South Africa, Brussels. (okra event Eventt Brussels, 2010).  

·         "I would like to commend Bertha Oluwole, of okra eXpress, UK, for her vision, ingenuity and hard work culminating in today’s great occasion.  Let us therefore give her a big thank you". His Excellency, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, High Commissioner, Nigerian High Commission, UK (okra event, in Parliament, House of Commons, Houses of Parliament, Westminister, 2008).

·         {........I am pleased to see you have Myles Wickstead as a panellist as he is a fellow governor with me on the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which is the entity I was raising with you last night....}. The Rt. Hon. Philip Dunne MP, House of Commons, Deputy Chairman, Conservative Party, Government Whip. (An event in Westminster, London, 2009, okra eXpress was invited as a distinguished guest at the event)

·         {......Best wishes for a successful okra event event....} The Rt. Hon. David Cameron, Leader of the opposition, Leader of the Conservative Party in the UK (okra event 2010)

·         "Your Excellencies, I hope you will accept that this is a really good event and the participation particularly of the Ambassadors and High commissioners I think is important but the interaction, I’m quite sure is even more important". The Rt. Hon Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP and Chairman of The International Development Select Committee of the House of Commons, Westminister (this committee questions the Prime Minister twice a year). The Rt. Hon Malcolm Bruce, is a former barrister and journalist. In 2006, The Rt. Hon Malcolm Bruce was accepted into Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council by invitation of Her Majesty the Queen. (okra event 2008)

·         "Mr. Chairman, before I delve into the subject of why and how to do business in Ghana, allow me to eXpress my gratitude to okra eXpress, the organizers of this EU – Africa Business Event. This event, taking place after three successive EU – Africa Business fora held in Brussels in November 2006, Accra in June 2007 and Lisbon in December 2007 respectively, clearly underline the commitment of businessmen on our two continents to a growing relationship if not partnership. The Africa – EU Business Forum has certainly become another important dimension of EU – Africa interaction which is vital for cooperation and we intend to give it our support at all times". Her Excellency, Mrs. Nana Bema Kumi, Ambassador, to The Kingdom of Belgium and the EU, Embassy of Ghana in Brussels. (okra event Brussels Event 2009)

·        Bertha you are most kind!! Let's get together when I get back to the UK. Best, Andrew". AndrewHalper, Partner, Head of UK China Business Group, Eversheds LLP.  Andrew Halper, advises Western companies pursuing matters in China across a wide range of sectors, and Chinese enterprises engaged in business outside China. He has acted for Chinese companies in Africa. A former diplomat, Andrew is a fluent Chinese speaker who worked in Beijing for 7 years. In addition to full-time practice as a lawyer, he has lectured on Chinese law at the universities of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Cambridge and Oxford. Andrew Halper, co-authored the book Financial Services Regulations in the Asia Pacific, (second edition) published in 2008 by Oxford University Press. (The book costs $595 - price, as at September 2010, Oxford University Press USA website). (okra event 2009)

·         "Dear Bertha, you are doing a wonderful job organizing your events that are turning to be a great platform for discussions and exchange of views between those who are involved in the global market.  All the best for many more upcoming events! Warm Regards". Marina Kaplun, Manager, Business Development, Wardrop Engineering Inc. - UK Operations (okra eXpress Brussels Event 2009)

·         "Bertha is exceptional and will be of great help to us. We can also help her on her initiative and conferences in Africa". Boris Martor, Partner, Eversheds LLP, Paris Office - Avocat Associé, Eversheds LLP, France (okra event 2009)

·         “Bertha, well done for organising an interesting and enjoyable event last night. Philip Lewis , Relationship Director, Professional Services Team, Barclays Corporate (okra event 2010).

·         “Thank you for your kindness. So sad leaving here for Tokyo. I have had a lovely time with you and to learn something from Africa". Kenichi Nakamoto , Director of Research, Japan External Trade Organisation,(JETRO) (okra event, 2010)

·         “Dear Bertha, Thank you so much for a brilliant evening yesterday.  I found it hugely informative and look forward to attending future related events". Elizabeth Dudley, Researcher to the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, UK Parliament (okra eXpress event 2010)

· “Dear Bertha, It was a pleasure to meet you last night. Thank you for organising the event and congratulations on such successful evening! I very much enjoyed the presentations and the event was extremely useful from a business development perspective. The high turnout led to some very useful meetings. We are very keen to be informed of future events, especially those with an Africa focus, as Africa is our key market". Paddy Beiner, Director of Operations, The Risk Resolution Group. (okra event 2010).

• Hello Bertha, it was lovely meeting you and it has been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to working with you more in the future". Simran Dodwal, Paralegal/Assistant to: Andrew Halper, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP (okra event in partnership with CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, 2010).
• “Dear Bertha, Thank you for organising such an informative and lively event last night. Myself and my colleague found it very interesting". Lauren Watts, Lonrho Plc, Research Analyst (okra event 2010
• {….I really enjoyed yesterdays event, Dr. Joachim Remde, Solicitor, London, Rechtsanwalt, Bonn, Germany …} (okra event 2010)
• "This is great Bertha. Congratulations all round!" Tony Kingsley, PwC, Director, International Development Assistance Network (Tony Kingsley commented on BBC'S interview with William So, Chinia Unicom, a guest speaker from the China in Africa evening reception hosted by okra event in partnership with CMS, Cameron McKenna LLP. 
• "Continue the laudable programs. Thank you". A. Manga, Group CEO, Enter Energy Group Ltd, Abuja, Nigeria. (okra event, 2010) 
• "You are very active and this is good particularly for our continent.... Merci Charles". Mr. Charles Bambara, “Trilingual Journalist, working for the BBC and other media organisations,  Europe and Africa. (okra event, 2010)
• “Many thanks for a v interesting evening”. Mr. Hugh Naylor, Partner, Denton Wilde Sapte Law firm (okra event, 2009).
• "Dear Bertha, Many thanks for arranging last night's event - I found it very useful. Kind regards," Abigail Hunt, Senior Manager International Development, DLA Piper UK LLP. (okra eXpress Events, 2009).
• "Dear Bertha, Thanks for this . We would like to promote your event on our intranet . Could you send a photo of the panel that we can use? Regards, John Demeza, Crown Agents".  (okra eXpress event 2009).
• {... Dear Bertha, wishing you all success with the organization of the Conference....}. Mr. Klaus Rudischhauser, Director DG DEV.C, DG Development and Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific States, European Commission, Brussels. (okra event in Brussels Event, 2010).  
• "Dear Bertha,  Apologies for this belated thank you note. My collegues and I really enjoyed the evening and we thought the talks were very informative". Yan Foye, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (okra event, 2009).
• {…Dear Bertha, congratulations for organizing such an importnat event with very high and important panellists. Best regards, Manuela…}. Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to Brussels and the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Chief of the Mission to the European Commission. Embassy of Mozambique, Brussels, Her Excellency, Mrs Maria-Manuela Dos Santos Lucas. (okra event in Brussels 2010).
• "Dear Bertha, I am glad to attend the meeting, thank you for your excellent arrangement. The presentation you sent to me is very nice. best regards". Liu wensheng, From China Development Bank, The People's Republic of China. (okra event, 2009)
• “Dear Bertha, thank you for the kind words. It is always my pleasure supporting your event. I look forward to seeing you at another okra event function". Regards, William So, Chief Advisor to China Unicom (Europe) Operations Limited. Former President of China Unicom, Europe and Africa. China Unicom is one of the largest full service telecom operators in China. (okra event, 2010)
• "Dear Ms Oluwole,  Further to my telephone conversation with you, my name is Paul Okaru the Director of Nemeka and we attended the China-Africa Business conference you recently held at Westminster London. Once again congratulations on a well run event. Kind Regards", Paul Okaru Nemeka. (okra event , 2009).  
• "Bertha, Thanks for keeping me in the loop.  Again, I think that the event was a very informative one which has influenced my views on what is really going on "back home". Chinyelu Oranefo , Associate, Nabarro LLP. (okra event, 2009).  
• “Dear Berth! Thank you for your work! It is really good! :). Many thanks again! Hoping to seeing you soon. Filipa de Oliveira Martins”, Brussels School, Belgium. (okra event in Brussels 2010)
• "Dear Bertha, Many thanks for arranging last night's event - I found it very useful. Kind regards," Abigail Hunt, Senior Manager International Development, DLA Piper UK LLP. (okra event Events, 2009).
• "Dear Ms. Oluwole, Thank you very much for your kind remarks about the lecture I gave at City University, and more importantly for your appreciation of what is happening in Rwanda. We are indeed lucky to have hardworking and visionary leaders that inspires us all to be positive and to work towards excellence despite our very limited rescources. We are fortunate also to have African people like you, and your organisation, committed to promoting what is good in the continent. Best wishes", Justice Sam Rugege. Deputy Chief Justice, Supreme Court, Republic of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda 
•  "Dear Bertha, Once again, congratulations for a successful event. Thanks for the document on doing business in Botswana. Best regards, Manuela". Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to Brussels and the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Chief of the Mission to the European Commission Embassy of Mozambique, Brussels, Her Excellency, Mrs Maria-Manuela Dos Santos Lucas. (okra event in Brussels, 2009).
• {… Dear Bertha. Many thanks for everything, Kind regards, ....}, Adrián Verdegay Mena, SJ Berwin LLP, Abogado-Lawyer - Trade, EU & Competition Group (okra event Brussels Events, 2010).
• "Hello Bertha, Thanks for inviting me. Nice job you are doing in bringing these people together. That was resourceful". Dr. Adesina Iluyemi, NEPAD Council Member, United Kingdom (okra event event, 2010)
• "It was nice meeting you too and I very much appreciate your efforts on behalf of our continent". Her Excellency Mrs. Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, High Commissioner, Tanzania High Commission, UK (okra event Event 2008) 

• "Dear Bertha, It was a big pleasure for us to work with you". Fatima.Ouriaghli, SJ Berwin LLP, Brussels, (okra event Brussels Event, 2010).
• Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be able to address you on this important occassion and I would like to thank Bertha Oluwole for bringing us all together. I am Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC – the Diamond Trading Company – the sales and marketing arm of the De Beers Family of Companies. I address you with a number of hats on: 1. As a board member of De Beers". As the head of DTC in the UK and South Africa 3. As the chairman of the Boards of our Partner DTCs in Botswana and Namibia". Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC – the Diamond Trading Company, (okra event Event 2008)
• "Dear Bertha, Allow me to thank you for the opportunity given to promote my country Mozambique; Best Regards, Manuela", Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to Brussels and the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Chief of the Mission to the European Commission. Embassy of Mozambique, Brussels, Her Excellency, Mrs Maria-Manuela Dos Santos Lucas. (okra event Brussels Events, 2010).
• "Dear Bertha, Thank you for your confirmation. I wish you all the best for your event tomorrow.  Regards,  Yayoi Hassall, Mitsui & Co". (okra event Event 2009)

“Dear Bertha, I would like to thank okra event for inviting me to participate in the EU in Africa event. I found it very informative and stimulating. A well organized and timeous event. Thank you. Let us keep in touch. Warm Regards, Anil Sooklal”. Ambassador of South African to the Kingdom of  Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Chief of Mission to the European Union, Embassy of South Africa, Brussels. His Excellency, Dr. Anil Sooklal, (okra event Brussels Event 2010)

"Madame Bertha, you are really helping us and we are really grateful.. We will support your actions so that something can be achieved and I know we can achieve something together. Let us do it that way and let us work closely together". Mr. Cheikh Niang, Chargé d'affaires, representative of the African Union to the European Union, Permanent Mission in Brussels. African Union. (African Union positive telephone meeting with okra event, January 2011). The African Union is based in Addis Ababa and consists of 53 member states from all the regions in Africa.

"Dear Ms. Oluwole, Congratulations for the impressive speakers list. The European Council had one clear success story in Africa last year. It was naturally the 3rd EU-Africa Summit. You'll find the digital link below". Mr. Timo Ranta, Cabinet Member, The European Council. (okra event received this message from The European Council, Brussels). (okra event 2011)

{.... Madame Bertha, (okra eXpress), I arrived back from Addis Ababa yesterday. Your work is great. We have to support you to help you to help us. We will definately participate in your event in London and no matter where the event is taking place, we will be there to work with you....} Mr. Cheikh Niang, Chargé d'affaires, representative of the African Union to the European Unio, Permanent Mission in Brussels. Africa Union. (African Union positive telephone meeting with with okra eXpress, 4 February 2011). The African Union is based in Addis Ababa and consists of 53 member states from all the regions in Africa.

{…. I wish you the very best of luck for a successful event, Yours ever, Stephen O’Brian…}. Letter to okra eXpress from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Department For International Development, (DFID), UK, The Rt. Hon, Stephen O'Brien, is a Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom. The Minister, is Member of Parliament (MP), for Eddisbury, and was first elected in a by-election in July 1999, after Alastair Goodland was made High Commissioner for Australia. (Letter received by okra eXpress relating to the okra event 2011).

{…Hello Bertha, please add my name to your mailing list. I am very interested in what Japan International Cooperation Agency is doing, all the best....Carol}. “Dr. Carol O’Connor (okra event 2011).

“Bertha, Congratulations on the well-organized event. Let's stay in touch, I am keen to work with people in emerging markets”. Best wishes, Ravi Gupta, specialist in Business Development, Strategy, New Ventures, Mergers & Acquisitions; Business Development; Commercial negotiations, (Oil and energy), (okra event, 2011).

Dear Ms. Bertha Oluwole, Thank you for your arrangement. It is surprising development for me. Please find the draft text of my presentation. For the interview with BBC,

I will try to cover overall picture of JICA's strategy for Africa. 
Please notice that I include cc to JICA public relation bureau. Best regards, Kimiaki, Kimiaki JIN, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency. JICA (okra event, 2009)

{…… Hi Bertha, you are clearly a woman of many accomplishments, bordering on the polymath!.... Have a good weekend. Andrew.....}. Andrew Bone, Director, International Relations, External and Corporate Affairs, De Beers Group. (okra event 2011).

{…Hi Bertha, thanks again for organising an excellent event - I found the speakers and topics really interesting and offered some valuable insight. As ever please continue to include me in these events. Wishing you the best of luck with all your endeavours. Best wishes, Chris….} Christopher Brown, Head of Corporate Relations, Education Africa. (okra event 2011) 

• Dear Bertha, Thank you for a great event. Please add me to your database. I am looking forward to the next event. Many thanks, Lois". (okra event JICA event 2011).

• Dear Bertha, Thank you for your kind hospitality and the invitation to the panel discussion. It is really unfortunate that I have to be in Japan in that particular day. Instead, I will delegate Satoko to attend the workshop on 1st December. I am quite impressed by your practical and unconventional approach and eager to develop further relation with okra eXpress such as joint organization of a event. Let me think over any possible idea of it.  Best regards, Kimiaki. Mr. Kimiaki Jin, Japan International Cooperation Agency - (JICA), Chief Representation.
• Good morning Bertha, {….Congratulations on the way that the event last night went, I was taken with BBC's  Alex Ritson's presentation. You certainly do have good connections with the BBC.  I would like to come to your next event tomorrow 17th at The Hilton. I will find the other pieces that I did after your Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) event in Portland Place. I look forward to seeing you again. Regards, Peter Matthews, Foreign Press Association….}, (okra event, 2011)