Stakeholders Rally Support for New AKOKOCCIMA Leadership in Ondo State
Stakeholders within the Akoko business community in the Ondo North Senatorial District of Ondo State have issued a strong call for collective support as the Akoko Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AKOKOCCIMA) welcomes new executives following a seamless leadership transition. This appeal was prominently voiced during the chamber's Annual General Meeting, which marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition the organization for greater impact on the economic landscape of the region.
Smooth Handover and Commendations
The event witnessed the formal handover of leadership from the outgoing president, Dr. Funmilola Williams, to the new president, Hon. Adeboro Onibalusi. Members and business leaders unanimously commended the stability and professionalism that characterized the transition process, highlighting it as a testament to the chamber's maturity and commitment to progress.
In her valedictory remarks, Dr. Williams reflected on the chamber's journey under her administration, expressing deep appreciation for the support, commitment, and contributions from members throughout her tenure. She attributed the chamber's achievements to collective effort and encouragement from the business community, stating, "AKOKOCCIMA has grown in leaps and bounds, as it can now boast of decent office accommodation in Ikare-Akoko, among other significant milestones."
Key Achievements and Future Directions
Dr. Williams detailed several accomplishments during her leadership, including the successful integration into the business network of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and access to vital financial resources such as loans from the Bank of Industry and NDDC micro-loan schemes. She charged the new president and executive members to build solidly upon these foundations, urging them to elevate the chamber to even greater heights while maintaining the spirit of unity that has sustained and elevated the organization.
Basorun Olugbemiga Araoyinbo, the National Vice President of NACCIMA, who also serves as the Deputy President of ODUACCIMA and immediate past president of ONDOCCIMA, expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of AKOKOCCIMA under Williams' leadership. However, he urged the new executives to brace themselves for greater performance, assuring them that every program of the chamber would receive robust backup support from both regional and national chambers.
Call for Unity and Strategic Initiatives
Mrs. Modupe Olakunle, a former President of ONDOCCIMA, emphasized the urgent need for all members to rally behind the new leadership to achieve meaningful progress. She commended Dr. Williams for using personal resources to sustain the chamber and deliver numerous achievements, describing such sacrifices as exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Following the administration of the oath of office by Rotimi Olorunfemi, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ondo State, the new executives outlined their action plan. In his inaugural speech, President Onibalusi affirmed that trade groups within and outside the country would be engaged regularly to carve a distinct niche for the chamber.
Priorities and Acknowledgments
Onibalusi reeled out his key priorities, which include an aggressive membership drive, organization of a trade fair to showcase Akoko produce and products, and strategic partnerships with relevant agencies to uplift the chamber and its members. Additionally, members of the chamber hailed the leadership roles of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Tokunbo Kayode, SAN, whose contributions to the chamber's development were described as outstanding.
The Annual General Meeting also witnessed the inauguration of Hon. Mary Bakare as the women's coordinator and the registration of new members, signaling a renewed commitment to inclusivity and growth within the Akoko business community.
