Distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, the Executive and Council members, distinguished members of the Nnewi business community, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is with a heart filled with gratitude, humility and a deep sense of accomplishment that I stand before you today as I hand over the leadership of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
The past two years, 2024–2026, have been a remarkable journey. It has been a period of service, learning, challenges, collaboration and, most importantly, meaningful progress.
When I assumed office, I understood that leadership of this great Chamber was not merely a position or title. It was a responsibility to serve our members, promote business growth, strengthen our institutions and contribute to the economic development of Nnewi and beyond.
Today, I am proud to look back at some of the initiatives and achievements recorded during this administration.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES(B.O.T)
One of the significant achievements of this administration was the establishment of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The establishment of the BOT is an important step towards strengthening the institutional structure, continuity and stability of the Chamber. It provides a stronger foundation for the Chamber to preserve its values, protect its interests and ensure that future administrations can build on the work already accomplished.
This is an achievement that I believe will continue to benefit the Chamber for many years to come.
NNEWI ECONOMIC SUMMIT
We also successfully organized the Nnewi Economic Summit.
The summit brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, traders, business owners and people from different walks of life. It provided a platform where businesses could showcase what they do, connect with one another and discuss opportunities for economic growth.
The summit demonstrated the strength and diversity of the Nnewi business community. It reminded us that when we come together, share ideas and create opportunities for one another, we can achieve much more.
I am particularly proud that the Chamber provided a platform for businesses to display their products and services and for stakeholders to interact on matters affecting our economy.
TAX REFORM
Another important initiative was our Tax Reform Programme.
We recognized that taxation is an important aspect of doing business, but we also understood that many business owners and members of the business community often have questions about how taxes are calculated, assessed and verified.
We therefore created an opportunity for our members and the wider business community to interact directly with tax official.
During the programme, participants were educated on how to calculate their taxes, how to check their tax obligations and how to better understand the tax system.
This engagement helped to create greater awareness and understanding between the tax authorities and the business community.
Our objective was not simply to talk about taxes, but to empower our members with the knowledge they need to operate their businesses responsibly and confidently.
IGBO APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
We also organized the Igbo Apprenticeship Programme, an initiative that I consider particularly important because it connected business with our culture and heritage.
The programme brought together apprentices, Masters, Chiefs Obi’s, Fathers, Mother’s and business owners creating an opportunity for different generations to come together and learn.
Participants were exposed not only to the principles of apprenticeship and business development but also to the importance of preserving our Igbo heritage, values, traditions and indigenous business practices.
The Igbo apprenticeship system has played a major role in the economic development of our people. By teaching and passing these values from one generation to another, we help to ensure that this important heritage does not disappear.
I am proud that the Chamber was able to provide a platform where our traditional institutions, business leaders, Masters and apprentices could interact and learn from one another.
APPRECIATION
Ladies and gentlemen, none of these achievements would have been possible through the efforts of one person alone.
I wish to begin by giving all glory and thanks to Almighty God, whose grace, wisdom and guidance have brought us this far. I am deeply grateful to my family, whose love, prayers and unwavering support have been a constant source of strength throughout this journey.
I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Executive Council, the Board, our various committees, our dedicated staff, valued partners and most importantly, the members of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. Your trust, commitment and invaluable contributions have been instrumental to our collective progress, and I remain deeply grateful for your support.
Thank you for your support, your advice, your constructive criticism and your cooperation throughout my tenure.
I also appreciate our traditional rulers, community leaders, government agencies, tax officials, business leaders and everyone who supported the programmes and initiatives of this administration.
To my colleagues in the business community, I say thank you for believing in the Chamber and for continuing to support its vision.
THE FUTURE
As I hand over today, I do so with confidence that the Chamber has a strong future ahead.
Leadership is temporary, but institutions are permanent. The office I occupy today will be occupied by another person tomorrow, just as I took over from someone before me.
Therefore, my greatest wish is that the incoming administration will build on the foundation we have laid, introduce new ideas, strengthen existing programmes and take the Chamber to even greater heights.
I encourage everyone here to give the incoming President the same cooperation, support and goodwill that you gave to this administration.
Let us continue to work together to promote trade, investment, industry, agriculture and entrepreneurship in Nnewi.
Let us continue to support our businesses, empower our young people, preserve our heritage and create an environment where businesses can thrive.
HANDOVER
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as I formally hand over the leadership of this great Chamber today, I do so with a clear conscience and a heart full of gratitude.
I leave the office, but I do not leave the Chamber.
I remain a member, a stakeholder and an advocate for the growth and development of the Nnewi business community.
Whatever contribution I can make in the future, I will gladly do so.
My tenure may be coming to an end, but our collective journey continues.
May the incoming administration receive wisdom, courage and the support necessary to succeed.
May the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture continue to grow stronger.
May our businesses prosper.
May our entrepreneurs succeed.
May our young people find opportunities.
And may the spirit of enterprise, unity and service that has always characterized Nnewi continue to guide us.
Once again, I thank you all for the privilege to serve.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Long live Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
Long live Nnewi.
Long live Anambra State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.