Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said that stimulating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) would reduce poverty in the country to the barest minimum.

The National President, Dele Oye, who at the weekend noted that the chamber serves as a bridge between businesses and government, asserted that it facilitates commerce and champions the cause of enterprises and economic growth.
 
Represented by Leonard Ugwuat the investiture of second President, Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture(NSCCIMA), Sam Otoboeze, in Nsukka Local Council of Enugu State, the NACCIMA boss described Otoboeze as a visionary and dedicated leader, whose wealth of experience would transform the economic fortunes of Nsukka zone.
 
In his inaugural address, Otoboeze appreciated the visionary leadership of the pioneer President of the Chamber, Dr Basil Onugu, and other founding members, adding that NSCCIMA maintained enviable record of development in keeping with its core objectives.

According to him, through the flagship programmes of the chamber, Nsukka yellow pepper is at the point of acquiring its Geographical Indication (GI) status.

He said entrepreneurs constitute the major driving force for economic growth in every nation, adding that NSCCIMA would leverage the geographical proximity of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN) and Maduka Onyishi University for town and gown to bolster the economy of Nsukka cultural zone.

Given the natural endowment of Nsukka cultural zone and its gateway status between Northern and Southern Nigeria, he said the Chamber would make the zone a destination point for investors in agribusiness.

He further said that NSCCIMA would engage youths, partner state and federal governments, trade missions and exhibitions to consolidate and deepen the zone’s economic growth trajectory.

Director-General of NSCCIMA, Uchenna Nnadi, said the chamber would train, mentor and support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to access Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), loans for the growth of their businesses in line with the chamber’s objectives and vision.

Earlier, chairman of the occasion, Chief Ben Etiaba, while highlighting the importance of the private sector in economic growth, emphasised the need for more collaborations between government, the academia and the private sector.

Etiaba, who was Chairman of London Group of Nigerian Professionals, said Otoboeze would take the chamber to the global stage, given his experience and dedication.