ABEOKUTA: The Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) today in Abeokuta held her 2020 retreat, the second in its series with the theme. “Effective Capacity Building in the Chamber of Commerce Movement”.
The First Deputy President of the Chamber, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye welcomed all participants drawn from all the five city Chambers of Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. He said the retreat was designed to find lasting solutions to various challenges facing the operation of Chambers of Commerce in Ogun State and noted that a working document would be drafted to find a visible and long lasting solution to all challenges identified at the retreat.
On her part, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, MFR the Immediate Past President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) while declaring the 2020 retreat opened appreciated the present executives of the Chamber for organizing such an eye opening retreat. She noted that there was need for all the five city chambers in Ogun State to put all resources together to achieve a common goal.
Chief Lawson stated that there was need for all the city chambers in Ogun State to latch on to the opportunities made available under the NACCIMA – CIPE accreditation programme to aid the effective running of individual city chambers.
She stressed further that there was need to have a purpose driven Chamber Secretariat equipped with outstanding staff and facilities to encourage maximum productivity and effectiveness.
She said, “Chamber Secretariat must be well solidified because all city Chambers has autonomy to NACCIMA to operate independently without the interference of either state or regional Chamber of Commerce.
Chief Lawson reiterated that the era of seat tight President should be abolished as no tenure elongation should be encouraged after the expiration of the 2years single term of any sitting president and encouraged that the right pegs should always be shortlisted for any leadership position to aid effective discharge of duties.
She however encouraged the continuity of the retreat as well as other projects and programmes the State Chamber was known for in time past such as Ogun State Exhibition, Gateway Trade Fair among others. She added that there was need to collaborate with the government at all levels to achieve the objectives of the Chamber movements.
While delivering on a sub-theme of the retreat, “Financial and Programmes Sustainability in the Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji AbdulRahmon O. Maku said, “sustaining the programmes and activities of the Chamber of Commerce depends on how well the Chamber functions to achieve its fundamental objectives. Chamber must hold regular dialogues with government to advocate, provide feedback, and help fine-tune policies and legislations affecting
business practices and to also serve on statutory boards and government committees to help formulate policy guidelines and set standards that will enhance business climate and members’ competitiveness.
Alhaji Maku further said all City Chambers must build up a membership base through recruitment of new members
and sustaining members’ interest by offering quality services, enhancing membership status and privileges.
He however encouraged co-operation and fraternity amongst members by
organizing social and sport events and to also provide relevant business information to members such as information on business opportunities, technological advancements, government rules and regulations among others.
Alhaji Maku said, “for City Chambers to achieve financial sustainability, the Chamber must put effective internal controls mechanism in place as good innovations are well sustained when there is consistency in implementation.
The retreat also witnessed paper presentations by Dr. Steve Olusegun Ipinniwa a retired Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture with the topic, Policy Analysis and Communication and also from Mr. Sherif Olaleye on the topic, Concepts Presentation on Program Development for OGUNCCIMA.
The retreat was graced by Engr. Mike Akingbade (OTACCIMA), Engr. Oluyomi Olutoye (ABEOCCIMA), Mr. Abiola Ogundeko (RECCIMA), Alhaji Moruf Popoola (ABEOCCIMA), Mrs. Jumoke Akinlolu – Okoya (YECCIMA), Mr. Akinola Lawson (ABEOCCIMA), Evang. David Ballo (OTAGCCIMA), Lion Niyi Oshiyemi (IJEBUCCIMA), Evang. David Bello (OTACCIMA), Prince Bayo Ikujenyo (IJEBUCCIMA), Sir. Jare Oyesola (ABEOCCIMA), Mr. Wakeel Olaniyan (ABEOCCIMA), Alhaji Bidemi Mulero (OGUNCCIMA Secretary General), Otunba Wasiu (YECCIMA), Elder Taiwo Jiboku (ABEOCCIMA) and Lion Cynthia Saka (OTAGCCIMA) among others.
