Otti promise to support ACCIMA to make Aba a business hub

…as Jude Nwosu, new ACCIMA president vows to evangelise gospel of new Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has promised to work with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), to make Aba a business hub.

Otti, who made the promise on Wednesday in Aba, during the investiture of Jude Nwosu, as the 18th President of ACCIMA, urged the new president to lead with vision, integrity and fear of God, as the success of ACCIMA is important to the growth of Aba and Abia State in general.

He told Nwosu that God has given him the position to render selfless services to ACCIMA and humanity, stressing that he believes that the chamber is in good hands and will grow from strength to strength.

Otti, who was represented by Salome Obiukwu, the state’s commissioner for Trade and Investment, said that Aba is growing and Nwosu’s leadership came at a time when an administration with a commitment to strengthening the business environment, improving infrastructure and partnering with the private sector to boost the economy is in charge.

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Jani Ibrahim, national president, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who was represented by John Udeagbala, a former president of NACCIMA, expressed optimism that ACCIMA will continue to get better and equally hailed the outgoing leadership for their efforts.

Humphrey Ngonadi, president of the South-East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (SECCIMA), thanked Geoffrey Uzoagbara, the immediate past president of ACCIMA, for abiding by the rules guiding the chamber to ensure a fast transition after two years in office.

Ngonadi, represented by Emma Nwakpadolo, a former ACCIMA president, expressed joy with the incoming president, whom he described as an experienced person who had served in many leadership capacities that had prepared him for the position he is taking over.

Geoffrey Uzoagbara, the immediate past president of ACCIMA, appreciated all members of the chamber for investing their time, resources, and strength in total support of the programmes, which his administration undertook while in charge.

Uzoagbara, while listing the challenges he faced, said that it is a known fact that “we were challenged by numerous economic reforms (subsidy removal, reversal of multiple exchange rates, tax reforms, etc.) which, at inception, induced hardship for manufacturing, consumer goods affordability, services, and general survival of our people and their businesses.”

He said that the economy is gradually stabilising as a result of their advocacy in encouraging the local people to patronise homemade products, the improvement in the quality of Aba leather products and garments, and completely staying away from patronising fake products and services.

Uzoagbara also said that his administration was able to attract over 35 new members within the period under review and cemented its relevance within the Aba business community and beyond.

Read also: Our administration is focused on delivering infrastructure, institutional reforms – Otti

“ACCIMA improved on the cordial relationship that existed with other business associations or groups, namely, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) the Abia State Export Growth Lab, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NAFDAC, and SON, just to mention but a few.”

Jude Nwosu, the new ACCIMA president, extended profound gratitude to the members of the chamber for the trust and confidence reposed in him to lead the institution.

Nwosu said that the gathering was not just to celebrate his investiture, but the unwavering spirit of commerce, innovation, and industry that defines Aba.

He further stressed that the agenda of the new administration in ACCIMA is not ambiguous or confusing in any way, saying, “Our agenda is clear: to evangelise the gospel of the new Abia to the world and attract massive investments to our state, to amplify the voice of our members, to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and to champion initiatives that drive sustainable development.”

He said that ACCIMA stands as a beacon of economic growth, a platform where ideas are born, partnerships are forged, and opportunities are harnessed.

He said that his investiture as president is quite remarkable, as it is happening simultaneously with the time Abia is undergoing monumental transformation piloted by Governor Alex Otti.

“Abia has, of course, returned to the global map for good reasons, sequel to the policies and purposeful leadership of the present government.

“From aggressive infrastructural revolution to robust security architecture and clear direction of good governance, Abia has never been this focused on delivering dividends of democracy.

Read also: Otti turns 150 polytechnic graduates into entrepreneurs with N1m each

He said the new ACCIMA administration led by him will work tirelessly to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, ensuring that its policies and programmes are in sync with the vision of the state government but tailored to meet the needs of Aba’s vibrant business community.

Nwosu, pledged a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to the members of ACCIMA, stressing that their success is tantamount to the success of the new administration, as he and his team will work assiduously to provide the support and resources necessary for members’ growth and prosperity.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us draw inspiration from the resilience and dynamism that characterise our great city, Aba, and the nation at large. Let us harness our collective potential to create a thriving economy that benefits all.”

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