Pastor Patricia Uchenna Chukwu has been inaugurated as the 12th President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NCCIMA). At her investiture ceremony in Nnewi, Anambra State, she vowed to lead the body with integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and respect for diverse interests of members. Her goal is to restore Nnewi to its former economic glory. The ceremony, themed "Repositioning Nnewi as Africa's Premiere Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing, and Enterprise Development," drew government officials, industry leaders, and traditional rulers.
Chukwu expressed concern over Nnewi's downward economic trajectory, citing divestment, insecurity, and high energy costs. Many manufacturing companies have left or gone moribund, she noted. The town, once a thriving industrial hub, now struggles to compete globally. Chukwu emphasized that repositioning Nnewi is a collective responsibility for all business owners, the NCCIMA, and the community. She promised to address issues like access to finance, infrastructure, taxation, and skills development to revive the local economy.
The NCCIMA boss aims to promote a culture of innovation and competitiveness. She will sustain and expand the Igbo Apprenticeship Programme (igba-boyi) to boost economic returns. Chukwu's administration will focus on strengthening the Chamber's voice, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and encouraging young entrepreneurs and women in business. Her goal is to facilitate access to information, opportunities, and partnerships with government, financial institutions, and development organizations.
Keynote speaker Prof Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership, identified weak institutions, corruption, and policy summersaults as factors hindering industrial growth in Southeast. He regretted the lack of business sustainability among old entrepreneurs, who often fail to introduce their children to their ventures. Utomi advocated for industrial policies supporting private initiatives and active engagement with policymakers and businessmen.
Utomi cited South Korea as an example of a country that has achieved remarkable economic growth through passionate commitment from policymakers and entrepreneurs. He urged Nigerians to emulate this example and work towards changing their economic trajectory. The Centre for Value in Leadership founder emphasized the need for institutionalizing business ventures and promoting continuity.
Outgoing NCCIMA President, Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo, reflected on his two-year tenure as a period of service, learning, and meaningful progress. He listed achievements, including the establishment of a Board of Trustees, hosting of the Nnewi Economic Summit, and initiation of the Tax Reforms Programme and Igbo Apprenticeship Programme. Ezukwo urged his successor to build on the foundation laid and take the Chamber to greater heights.
The investiture ceremony featured award presentations and the unveiling of the NCCIMA architectural building. The event was attended by government officials, captains of industries, traditional and religious leaders. Chukwu's inauguration marks a new era for the NCCIMA, with expectations of reviving Nnewi's economy and promoting industrial growth in the region.
Key points
- NCCIMA's 12th President, Pastor Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, aims to restore Nnewi's economic glory through integrity, transparency, and accountability.
- Chukwu's administration will focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging young entrepreneurs, and promoting women in business.
- Keynote speaker Prof Pat Utomi identified weak institutions, corruption, and policy summersaults as factors hindering industrial growth in Southeast.
