By joshua KOCCIMA Swears IN NEW GOVERNING COUNCIL, VOWS TO BE “NUMBER ONE VOICE FOR COMMERCE” IN KOGI
The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KOCCIMA, has inaugurated a 14-member Governing Council aimed at nurturing a stronger partnership between the State Government and the private sector.
Performing the inauguration, the President of KOCCIMA, Dr. Demiloye Akerejola, described the carefully selected members as “men and women of vision, experience and passion who believe that when business thrives, communities thrive.”
He said the nomination of the Governing Council members is a call to service. “Your job is to be the bridge between government and citizens, to fight for better policies, create opportunities for members, and to make the Chamber the number one voice for commerce in the state,” he stated.
Dr. Akerejola noted that the inauguration, coming after eight years, underscores the importance his leadership places on diversifying the state economy.
“The assignment is tough because the economy is tough, but our entrepreneurs are tougher. With unity, innovation, and courage, we will turn challenges into opportunities,” he said.
The Chamber President tasked the Governing Council members to “hit the ground running” and work toward building the much-talked-about prosperity. He expressed optimism that with the caliber of men and women appointed, they will deliver on their mandate.
He added that the core expectations of the council include commitment to the Chamber’s vision and mission, contribution of ideas, expertise and constructive solutions through teamwork, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability to build a virile environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
He noted that the Governing Council is the second highest organ of the Chamber, and its role will help ensure that KOCCIMA serves as the intervening pillar between government and the private sector as a key partner in the economic development of the state.
A major highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of office on the Governing Council Members by Barr. Yunusa Ibrahim, the Vice President Legal of the Chamber.
In her remarks on behalf of the Governing Council Members, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hajia Amana Sualihat, expressed optimism that the members will deliver on their mandate and described the task before the Council as achievable.
Other institutions represented on the Governing Council include:
Ministries of Transport; Culture and Tourism; Agriculture and Food Security; Water Resources; Solid Minerals and Natural Resources; Housing and Urban Development; and Environment and Ecological Management.
Others are: National Inland Waterways Authority; Nigerian Shippers Council; Raw Materials Research and Development Council; Nigerian Export Promotion Council; NAFDAC; and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
The inauguration is expected to reposition KOCCIMA to drive investment, industrialization and job creation in Kogi State.