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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The President, Nnewi Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Pastor Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, has pledged to lead the body with integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and respect for diverse interests of members towards restoring Nnewi to its formal economic glory.
She also vowed to work with both leadership and members to ensure issues relating to access to finance, infrastructure, taxation, regulatory processes, skills development, technology, market access, and changing demands of the global economy receive constructive attention.
Chukwu made the commitment, last weekend, in Nnewi, Anambra State, during her investiture ceremony as the 12th President of the Chamber, themed, “Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premiere Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing, and Enterprise Development.”
She decried the downward trajectory of the industrial city in its core activities with lots of divestment to other parts of the world, maintaining that its repositioning has become not just as a theme, but responsibility for every indigene and resident of Nnewi.
“I’m pained that many manufacturing companies have left Nnewi. Some have also gone moribund. The few that are left have had to grapple with insecurity and rising cost of energy.
“A town that could hold its head and shoulders high no longer can compete favourably in the global business and economic community. It now limps and has become almost etiolated in its commercial activities. Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing, and Enterprise Development is a responsibility for all business owners in Nnewi, it’s a responsibility for Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture”.
The NCCIMA boss further pledged to promote culture of innovation and competitiveness as well as sustain and drive the recently flagged off Igbo Apprenticeship Programme (igba-boyi) to dimensions that would bring massive economic returns to the community.
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“My administration will focus on strengthening the voice of the Chamber and in employment, and contribute to economic development. We shall also place emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging young entrepreneurs, promoting women in business, facilitating access to relevant information and opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with government and financial institutions, development organisations, universities, research institutions, and other chambers of commerce”.
Keynote speaker and founder, Centre for Value in Leadership, Prof Pat Utomi, identified weak, corrupt institutions as well as steady policy summersaults as factors militating against industrial growth in Southeast. He also regretted lack of continuity and business sustainability among several old entrepreneurs following their reluctance in introducing their children to their businesses.
“Many old entrepreneurs seem to pass away without sustainability plans. Many worked hard but didn’t introduce their children to their ventures because they didn’t want them to suffer their fate.
“Unfortunately, many of these children traveled and returned home without continuing with their father’s business. How do we institutionalise business ventures with this kind of culture?” he queried.
Utomi also advocated for industrial policies that would support private initiatives as well as active engagement with the policy makers and businessmen. Citing South Korea as an example, Utomi said, “the country which was once poorer than Nigeria, is currently much richer than many European countries. Even in Africa, we have several instances, including Utopia.
“We need passionate commitment from policy makers and entrepreneurs willing to change the world, which is possible,” he added.
Earlier, outgoing President, NCCIMA, Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo, described his two-year reign as a remarkable period of service, learning, challenges, collaboration, and, most importantly, meaningful progress. He listed some of his numerous achievements to include establishment of Board of Trustees (BOT), hosting of Nnewi Economic Summit, Tax Reforms Programme initiative, Igbo Apprenticeship Programme, among others.
Appreciating his executives, Board, various committees, and others for their immense support and cooperation, Ezukwo urged them to extend the same to his successor to ensure a greater Chamber.
“My greatest wish is that the incoming administration will build on the foundation we have laid, introduce new ideas, strengthen existing programmes, and take the Chamber to even greater heights,” he noted.
The event, which attracted government officials, captains of industries, traditional and religious leaders, among others, featured award presentations and unveiling of NCCIMA architectural building.
