The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, led a high-level delegation on courtesy visits to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration to drive national and economic development.
The visit to the traditional ruler in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is part of NACCIMA’s tradition of visiting traditional institutions during council meetings.
Oye during the courtesy call expressed profound appreciation to the monarch for the warm reception despite his demanding schedule, highlighting NACCIMA’s role as the umbrella organization for Nigeria’s organized private sector focusing on promoting business growth, investment, and industrial development.
He stressed that the visit was an opportunity to seek the monarch’s support and royal blessings, while reaffirming NACCIMA’s commitment to Ogun State and Nigeria’s overall economic progress.
Oye noted that the visit preceded NACCIMA’s quarterly Executive Committee and Council meetings in Abeokuta.
In response, Oba Gbadebo commended NACCIMA’s contributions to the national economy and emphasized the importance of supporting and promoting locally produced goods.
He noted that Nigeria’s indigenous products remain highly competitive across Africa and pledged to collaborate with the private sector to further drive industrialization and economic growth.
Following the royal visit, the NACCIMA delegation proceeded to the Obasanjo Presidential Library for an interactive session with the former President.
During the session, Obasanjo lauded NACCIMA for its unwavering commitment to private-sector advocacy and its critical role in economic development.
He emphasized that sustainable growth in Nigeria hinges on public-private partnerships and called on the government to pay more attention to the private sector’s concerns.
Sharing a powerful example, he recounted how his collaboration with Dangote Industries helped Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in cement production, transforming the country into a net exporter.
Oye also reaffirmed that visits reaffirmed the importance of synergy between traditional institutions, private sector stakeholders, and policymakers to create an enabling business environment for sustainable national growth.
On NACCIMA’s entourage include 1st Deputy-President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim; 2nd Deputy-President, Dr. Tamunoemi Membere-Otaji; President of ODUACCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye; President of ABEOCCIMA, Timothy Sorunke; Past National President Bassey Edem; HLVP & Past President of Benin Chamber, Chief Ekwenuke; Past President of LCCI, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole; President of OGUNCCIMA, Rafiu Olugbeminiyi Oshiyemi; President of Akure Chamber, Funmilayo Ade-Ojo, and other Council Members.
