The Ota-Agbara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OTAGCCIMA) has elected Deaconess Cynthia Saka as its first female President, and took over from the immediate past President Dr. Kayode Bowale
Penpushing reports that Saka who was sworn in at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chambers held Alarco Hotel and Suits, OPIC Industrial Estate, Agbara in Ado-Odo/ Ota local government of Ogun State is to oversee affairs of the chambers for next two years.
The investiture of Saka at the Annual General Meeting(AGM) of the chambers with the theme,’ African Continental Free Trade Area: Impact and Competitiveness for Nigeria Market” was witnessed eminent personalities from far and near.
Penpushing further reports the President in her acceptance speech promised to work vigorously towards the development of the chambers as well as build on the achievements of the immediate past administration.
The first female President of the chambers appreciated the Governor and all dignitaries at the occasion for their support, assuring the state government of the chambers determination in improving the economy of the State.
Penpushing also reports that, Governor Dapo Abiodun in his goodwill submitted that if African Continental Free Trade Area(AFCTA) Is fully implemented, it would boost the economy of the African continent and Nigeria.
The Governor represented by Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Kikelomo Longe said all stakeholders must remain committed to the acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,(AFCFTA), to further drive industrialisation and commercialization in the country and in the state.
“The theme of this occasion is timely and apt; we must all be committed to the full implementation of AFCFTA to improve intra-African trade which will in turn create wealth in the continent, Nigeria and Ogun State. AFCFTA will eliminate bottlenecks that hinders Intra-African trade so all stakeholders must show commitment to it”, he said.
The Governor lauded the chambers for supporting the vision of making the state investment destination of choice, a vision that is repositioning the state for industrial, investment and economic growth.
Penpushing reports that, Abiodun while speaking on the theme said it has numerous opportunities to transform businesses, and help grow as well as expand local markets, pointing out that leveraging on its provisions would expand business operatives in the state to the large and diverse African Trade market.
The wife of the Governor, Bamidele Abiodun on her own part while congratulating the first female President of the chambers for the feat said the mission of chambers aligned with the last two alphabets of the ISEYA mantra of the current administration, which are youth development and agriculture.
The Chairman of the occasion Alhaji Oladotun Sokunbi in his speech said he was elated to be invited to the occasion, stating that it was like a home coming from the background of an enterpreneur and as a manufacturer.
Penpushing reports that, he noted that, over the years, the chamber has resolutely remained supportive to the growth and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and gave kudos to the chambers for the kind of cohesiveness existing among members in the promotion of trade in the axis.
The Executive Chairman, Amber Prime Plastics Nig Ltd, pointed out that this has earned the chambers the most vibrant Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture in Ogun State adding that this should facilitate attention by the State Government.
‘Your strategic direction and policy objective should be channeled at making the Chamber more accessible to local businesses and providing assurances that they are part of proactive trade groups in Ota-Agbara axis and Ogun State as a whole’, he stated.
‘You should also aim at leading the private sector in the delivery of sustainable growth and prosperity of commercial activities and businesses. While the goal of the Chamber is to promote and protect trade, business, commerce and public welfare, members should be enlightened to respect the rule of law and apply best commercial practices in all aspects of their businesses so as not to fall foul of government directives and the laws of both the State and Federal Government’.
‘It is also my candid advice that you will continue to create a dynamic and comprehensive business network by becoming a centre of business information provision, support, qualitative training and guidance. In the same manner, you should strive to attract more investments by effectively networking and creating proactive business plans and implementation strategies at all times.
Penpushing further reports that notable dignitaries at the events included Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Kikelomo Longe, who represented the Governor, representative of Ogun first lady and wife of the State Assembly Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Oluomo, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Ms. Shola Arobieke, Representative of National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Fatai Sobunmi.
The other personalities are President Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye , representative of Oloja-Ekun of Igbesaland, Prince Lanre Adu Asungbalaja, Alhaji Oladotun Shokunbi, Dr. Kayode Bowale, Chidioke Obo, foreign and local investors among others.
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