… Task chamber on expansion of Akoko business community

Stakeholders within the Akoko business community in the Ondo North Senatorial District of Ondo State have called for collective support as the Akoko Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AKOKOCCIMA) gets new executives following a seamless leadership transition.

The appeal was made during the chamber’s Annual General Meeting, which witnessed the handover of the baton of leadership from the outgoing president, Dr Funmilola Williams, to the new president, Hon. Adeboro Onibalusi.

With the event signposting a milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition the chamber for greater impact on the economic landscape of the axis, the members and business leaders commended the stability that characterised the transition process.

While reflecting on the chamber’s journey under the outgoing administration, Dr Williams, in her valedictory remarks, appreciated members for their support, commitment and contributions to the growth of the chamber throughout her tenure.

Williams, who attributed the achievements recorded to the collective effort and encouragement received from the business community, emphasised that “AKOKOCCIMA has grown in leaps and bounds, as it can boast of decent office accommodation in Ikare-Akoko, among other achievements.”

She also dwelled on the successful integration into the business network of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and access to loans from the Bank of Industry, as well as NDDC micro-loan schemes, among other achievements.

Williams charged the new president and other executive members to build solidly upon the foundations already laid, urging them to take the chamber to even greater heights while maintaining the spirit of unity that had sustained and elevated the organisation.

The National Vice President of NACCIMA, who also serves as the Deputy President of ODUACCIMA and immediate past president of ONDOCCIMA, Basorun Olugbemiga Araoyinbo, expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of the chamber under Williams’ leadership.

Araoyinbo, however, urged on the new executives to brace themselves for greater performance, giving an assurance that every programme of the chamber would always receive backup support from both the regional and national chambers.

On her part, Mrs Modupe Olakunle, a former President of ONDOCCIMA, said the chamber urgently needs the support of all members to achieve meaningful progress.

Olakunle commended the outgoing president for using her personal resources in sustaining the chamber and delivering numerous achievements, describing such sacrifice as exemplary and worthy of emulation.

The oath of office was subsequently administered by a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ondo State, Rotimi Olorunfemi, following which the new executives outlined their action plan as contained in the inaugural speech of the new president.

Onibalusi affirmed that trade groups within and outside the country would be engaged from time to time as a way of carving a distinct niche for the chamber.

The new president reeled out his priorities to include an aggressive membership drive, organisation of a trade fair to showcase Akoko produce and products, as well as strategic partnerships with relevant agencies to lift the chamber and its members.

Meanwhile, members of the chamber hailed the leadership roles of the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, whose contributions to the chamber’s development they described as outstanding.

The Annual General Meeting also witnessed the inauguration of Hon. Mary Bakare as the women’s coordinator, as well as the registration of new members.