The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has inaugurated a 14-member Governing Council, a move aimed at strengthening the partnership between the Kogi State Government and the private sector.
Performing the inauguration, the President of KOCCIMA, Dr. Demiloye Akerejola, described the newly appointed members as men and women of vision, experience and passion who believe that when business thrives, communities thrive.
Dr. Akerejola told the Council that their appointment was a call to service. He charged them to serve as a bridge between government and citizens, to advocate for better policies, create opportunities for members, and position the Chamber as the leading voice for commerce in the state.
The Chamber President noted that the inauguration, coming after eight years, reflects the importance his leadership places on diversifying the state’s economy. He acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but expressed confidence in the resilience of the state’s entrepreneurs, stating that with unity, innovation and courage, challenges would be turned into opportunities.
Dr. Akerejola urged the Council members to hit the ground running in pursuit of the prosperity that has long been anticipated, expressing optimism that the caliber of appointees would ensure the mandate is delivered. He outlined the Council’s core expectations, including commitment to the Chamber’s vision and mission, contribution of ideas and expertise through teamwork, and the upholding of professionalism, integrity and accountability in building an environment where businesses can thrive.
He further explained that the Governing Council, as the second-highest organ of the Chamber, will help ensure KOCCIMA continues to serve as a key intervening pillar between government and the private sector in driving the state’s economic development.
In a statement signed by the Vice President, Public Relations, Abu Micheal, a highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of office to Council members by the Chamber’s Vice President Legal, Barr. Yunusa Ibrahim.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council members, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hajia Amana Sualihat, expressed optimism that the Council would deliver on its mandate, describing the task ahead as achievable.
Other institutions represented on the Governing Council include the 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. Also represented are the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigerian Shippers Council, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, the 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 across Kogi State.
