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President of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Ray Atelly, has said as partners in progress with the Federal Government, the chamber would continue to engage respectfully to protect business interests locally and internationally, to attract tangible investments based on areas of comparative advantage.
Atelly made the remarks during his inauguration as the 18th president of the NBCC in Lagos. In his acceptance speech, Atelly noted that he is aware of all the responsibilities accompanying the position of leadership, saying he is ready to take on the mantle and deliver on the expectations of members.
The new president of the NBCC said his administration would take steps to protect the interest of members to facilitate their growth.
“When the economy thrives, this translates to more revenue for government. Via our Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Center (WYEDC) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ideathon, we are committed to giving women and youths the requisite skills and acquisitions training,” he said.
Atelly promised to significantly increase influence of members, facilitate business opportunities for members, implement sustainability projects and improve relations with government agencies.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, called for renewed commitment to excellence and urged the new president to be a pioneer of innovation.
Uzoka-Anite, represented by Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Mr. Charles Odii, assured the business community of unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment.
“We are committed to an environment that supports entrepreneurship, attracts foreign direct investment to propel Nigeria into a place of global competitiveness.
“I urge the new president to continue to foster goodwill and increase trade and investment between Nigeria and Great Britain,” she said.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the new President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Mr Ray Atelly, to enhance innovation and collaboration in the face of the ever evolving landscape of global commerce.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Commissioner, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Lagos, gave the charge at the NBCC Inauguration Dinner of the 18th President on Friday night in Lagos.
He noted that Atelly’s emergence as president spelt new beginnings for the chamber and new affirmations of enduring ties between Nigeria and Britain.
The governor said that moving forward economically required guidance by the spirit of collaboration, particularly as the chamber had a pivotal role to play in shaping the business landscape.
He charged businesses to remain committed to ethical practices, corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices to benefit the society.
Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos was always open for business and investment and was counting on the chamber’s support to make the state the most preferred destination for business and commerce.
“The world is ever more interconnected and it’s our responsibility to harness this connectivity for the greater good.
“Lagos state is proud of the launch of the Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Center (WYEDC) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ideathon.
“These initiatives align perfectly with my administration’s agenda, particularly with our renewed focus on gender equality and women empowerment,” he said.
Tony Elumelu, who was represented by Muyiwa Akinyemi , Deputy Group Managing Director of UBA Group, noted that the private sector has a crucial role to play in driving economic growth across Africa. Through private sector development, the Nigerian banking sector has been a force to reckon with, greater entrepreneurship in the economy and led to human capital development for skilled workers, problem solving for consumers and businesses and jobs alike.
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