By Andrew Udeh
New NCCIMA President Embarks on Reformation, Rebranding .
The newly invested President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) Dr (Mrs) Patricia Uchenna Chukwu has promised to transform the business chamber into a strong and vibrant institution. She made this solemn declaration on Saturday, September 26, at Classic Munich Hotel Nnewi after her investiture as 12th President of NCCIMA.
Setting the record as the first female NCCIMA President, Dr Mrs Chukwu expressed delight on the theme of Investiture Ceremony, saying it aligns with her vision and intentions not just for the chamber, but the entire Nnewi business community.
“Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development, is timely, apt and decisive theme,” she noted.
She recalled the business history of Nnewi town dated back in early nineties as the Japan of Africa, attracting people from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries. “But unfortunately, this Africa’s premiere hub, has currently taken a downward trajectory step in its core business activities, prompting people to move to other parts of Nigeria and Africa. Many manufacturing companies have left Nnewi, some have gone moribund, while few that are left have had to grapple with insecurity and rising cost of energy.”
The new NCCIMA President, who embraced the theme with enthusiasm, believes that it is a collective duty to return Nnewi business community to her former glory.
“It is indeed a responsibility for every indigene and resident of Nnewi, the business owners and members of NCCIMA to build and protect business activities here as well as developing people through the sharing of relevant knowledge and ideas.”
The female President promised to bring her experience and exposure in technology industry into bear, ensuring that NCCIMA becomes a driving force in harnessing various business opportunities.
“As a President, I will joyfully work with the leadership of Nnewi chamber to ensure that vital issues like access to finance, infrastructure, taxation, regulatory processes, skills development, technology and market access are given due attention in line with changes in global economy.”
Dr Mrs Chukwu aims to have a laudable regime that will not only give NCCIMA a strong voice in promoting business activities, but place emphasis on supporting small and medium entrepreneurs, including the women in their trading activities.
“We shall strengthen good partnerships with government institutions, financial organisations, research institutions and other chambers of commerce.”
She hopes to create a culture of innovation and competitiveness to assist the increasing digital economy. She is also prepared to support the apprenticeship programme as a way of bringing massive economic returns to local community.
The NCCIMA President is determined to kick-start a building project to serve as the permanent site of NCCIMA, which at the moment is only an architectural design on paper. She called for collective commitment of NCCIMA members in achieving set out objectives.
“Let us bring our ideas, experience, networks, resources and expertise together. Let us move beyond individual interests and work towards building an institution that will serve the broader interest of the Nnewi business community”
