From Felix Ikem Nsukka
The Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) has inaugurated HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi), the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State as a patron of the organization.
The inauguration was part of activities marking the investiture of Chief Sam Otoboeze as the 2nd President of the NSCCIMA, held at Adada Hall, Nsukka LG Headquarters at the weekend.
Otoboeze said that NSCCIMA is a non-religious and non-political, but an institutional economic advocate for the development and growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), with the principal objective of mobilizing SMEs and seeking collaborations to make Nsukka Zone an economic hub in Enugu State and a desired destination for foreign and local investors.
He said that the choice of Igwe Ogadagidi and others as the patrons of the chamber was because of their special interest in the development and revival of the economic potential of the Nsukka zone.
“NSCCIMA is mobilizing key stakeholders in the public and private sectors to provide the infrastructures and enabling environment to make Nsukka zone an enviable economic hub of Enugu State.
“The installation of Igwe Ogadagidi and others today as the Patrons of Nsukka Chamber of Commerce is an added advantage and a step in the right direction in actualising our mission.
“I am confident that they will bring in their wealth of experience in support of our quest to turn around the economic fortune of Nsukka zone through agro production, aggregation, processing, and industrialization,” he said.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Igwe Ogadagidi commended NSCCIMA for selecting him as one of their Patrons and assured the chamber of his maximum support.
He said that it is important that private sectors and other stakeholders in the area are organized to open up the area for economic development as well as restore its lost glory in agriculture, commerce, and industry.
“The development and transformation of Nsukka zone into a commercial and economic hub should not be left in the hands of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce alone.
“Government and other well-meaning individuals should rally their support around the new leadership of NSCCIMA to turn around the economic fortune of the zone, through the creation and support of small and medium enterprises to help create jobs for our teeming youths and reduce poverty in the area,” he said.
The traditional ruler who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Okayi noted that the Agenda of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce was in line with the monarch’s agenda to transform Edem-Ani Ogwugwu community and the entire Nsukka zone into an economic hub.
According to him “Igwe Ogadagidi built and equipped an ultra-modern, Free 20-bed hospital for the community, and pays monthly bills of over one million naira to doctors and other staff in the hospital.
“He recently constructed 2.1 kilometers asphalt road leading from Odenigbo Nsukka to Edem-Ani, sponsored erosion control at Ugwu Aji, and has donated millions of naira for the reticulation of water in Edem-Ani.
“He has also donated millions of naira for Edem-Ani youths to set up businesses of their choice, as well as awarded scholarships to indigent university students.
“He Instituted a scholarship for any graduates from from that graduated with 1st Class and 2nd Class Upper in essential courses to further their Master Degree in Europe, currently, seven youths are doing their Master’s degrees in different universities abroad under the scholarship,” he said.
Other inaugurated Patrons of the chamber include Chief Maduka Onyishi, Chairman of Peace Mass Transit, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State.