•NACCIMA, others say zone should be agro-industrial hub
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Senator representing Enugu North, Okey Ezea, president, Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (NSCCIMA), Dr. Basil Onugu, his successor, Sam Otoboeze and other stakeholders, have praised the on going efforts to make Nsukka an economic hub for agriculture, commerce and industry.
This is just as National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, said the poverty ravaging Nigeria could be best contended by stimulating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
They spoke at Otoboeze’s investiture as the second president of NSCCIMA, in Nsukka, Enugu State, on November 11, 2023. Onugu noted that the chamber under his watch promoted the Ose Nsukka (Nsukka yellow pepper) to the global market.
In 2019, Nsukka yellow pepper farmers in 2019 got a boost when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), shortlisted 600 of them for its agricultural loan scheme.
NSCCIMA explained that the aim was to produce the yellow pepper in commercial quantity in which about 80 per cent of it would be exported to Europe and America: “Today, ‘Ose Nsukka’ is on the verge of being a Geographical Indication (GI) product. We look forward to our senator helping to navigate through the legislative challenge holding down the GI status of the yellow pepper.
“We conducted trade fair, trade mission as well as setting up joint farming projects through chamber’s multi-purpose cooperative society and other special purpose vehicles all geared towards promoting, boosting the economy and small and medium enterprises of Nsukka zone and the state in general.”
Oye said the chamber of commerce was crucial in shaping economic destinies, urging NSCCIMA to take advantage of its location in the university: “The potential of town and gown, where academic knowledge meets real-world business applications, is immense. We should seize this opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, stimulate innovation and drive sustainable growth.
“The unique Nsukka yellow pepper on the verge of achieving Geographical Indication (GI), Nsukka honey, cashew and palm produce are resources we can harness. These are more than just products. They are symbols of our land’s bounty and the industrious spirit of our people. With the right strategies and commitment, they can transform the economic fortunes of Nsukka zone.” The NACCIMA boss was represented by Leonard Ugwu, President of 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (9CCIMA).
In his keynote speech; “Transmission of Enugu North Senatorial District through strategic collaboration, Ezea said: “Nsukka zone is strategically positioned to feed the South East. As part of my legislative agenda in the next four years, I would strive within the limits of my capacity as a legislator, to see to the recalibration of the popular Nsukka AdaRice of yesterday and other viable economic sites in the area.
“Nsukka is strategically positioned to feed the entire South East and beyond and we must ensure that this is accomplished in the foreseeable future.”
Represented by Chairman, Nsukka Association of Professors, Prof. Paulinus Ugwoke, the senator promised to collaborate with the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the glory days of the zone were restored.
Chairman, London Group of Nigerian Professionals, Chief Ben Etiaba, commended NSCCIMA for its renewed quest to revive and transform Nsukka zone into economic hub. He harped on the importance of organising the private sector in the area to restore the zone’s lost glory in agriculture, commerce and industry.
He attested to the ability of Otoboeze to take the chamber to the next level, even as he called for the support of government at all levels and other stakeholders to enable the chamber achieve its vision.
Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, represented by Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ifeanyi Onah, said the vision of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce aligns with the state government’s agenda to support SMEs: “I want to assure the chamber of the state government’s support.
“The chamber’s effort to turn around the economic potential of the area as well as make it the economic epicentre of the state is in line with the state government’s agenda to promote and support small and medium enterprises to shore up the economy of the state.”
She urged other parts of the state to emulate the NSCCIMA and set up their chamber of commerce to encourage the growth of SMEs, as well as harness the agricultural potential of their areas. The commissioner noted that upgrading the state’s gross domestic product should not be left to the government alone.
Otoboeze promised to
stimulate the economy of the Nsukka zone through agriculture, geared towards attracting both local and foreign investors: “This would help to expand the potential of the sector and create jobs for the youths.”
The new exco, council members patrons of the Nsukka chamber.