Enugu, June 18, 2023: The Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA), Enugu, says it will partner industrialists and entrepreneurs in Nsukka cultural zone, to bolster sustainable economic growth in the area.
The chamber said that its cardinal objective was to promote entrepreneurs and businesses in Nsukka zone in particular, the state and the country at large, through support.
The newly elected President of the Chamber, Mr Sam Otoboeze, stated this during a courtesy visits to some industrialists in the zone on Sunday, to seek partnership and to promote entrepreneurship development.
One of the industrialist the chamber visited was Chief William Agbo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wilson Group of Companies.
Otoboeze, while appreciating the efforts of industrialists in reducing unemployment, said that the Enugu North Senatorial zone which Nsukka belonged to, needed more industries to cushion the effects of hardship and curb crime surge in the area.
He stated that the chamber would assist in encouraging small scale businesses in Nsukka, if given the necessary support, adding that the exportation of products would be easier for farmers and production companies, using the platform.
The president however, appealed to other indigenes of Nsukka zone to invest at home, noting that it would change from consumption to production zone in the near future.
“It is our mandate to promote businesses in Nsukka zone and it is in line with this that NSCCIMA is paying you this courtesy visit, for your contribution in growing the Nsukka brand.
“We know your contributions to the development of businesses in Nsukka zone. We are proud of Wilson Group for the great mark you have made in the processing and distributions of various goods for several decades now.
“We are happy to hear that you have diversified into so many areas of vegetable oil production, soap making, agro businesses, gas distribution, plastic production, noddles production and many others,” the president told Agbo.
Otoboeze then commended him for supporting NSCCIMA during their trade fair, adding that, there was a new momentum of repositioning businesses in Nsukka zone adding that, that was what informed the visit.
“We want you to be part of the new momentum and bring others like you to join NSCCIMA to help us and other businesses go far.
“We appeal for a befitting warehouse where we will be consolidating produces before exporting, a secretariat and logistics like vehicles, to help us render services to the people,” he pleaded.
Responding, Agbo commended Otoboeze and his team for taking a bold step, adding that he was not surprised at what they could do to turn around the chamber and achieve results.
He acknowledged the chamber’s request to be part of them, saying, “we have made a decision to be part of the chamber, we want to join it and partner with it in whatever it is doing.
While appealing to the government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, Agbo regretted the effect of poor energy supply, adding that the company relied heavily on generators to run its production.
He also lamented the bad state of the 9th Mile-Obollo Afor expressway, while appealing to the government to also repair the road and ensure adequate security in the state.
“At times our vehicle will stay two weeks on the road between Ogbede and Ochima communities both in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, between 9th Mile Corner to Nsukka.
“Sometimes we use stones to fill the potholes on the road before our vehicle could pass, and again insecurity is another challenge that we are facing,” he said.
Also visited was Vee Tek group of companies that produces electric fuses and all sorts of pipe, ranging from electric, water and sewage.
Chief Vitalis Abbah, Chairman and CEO of the company, expressed satisfaction at the viit and threw his support to NSCCIMA for the development of the economy of the zone.
He also decried the effect of bad roads and poor power supply on businesses, adding that the increase in fuel price would affect production, as the company used generators mostly to run its businesses.
