The Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UCCIMA), has elected its new president that will drive activities of the chamber for the next three years.
At the Annual General Meeting(AGM) held at the Umuahia Secretariat,the Chamber elected new officers that would help pilot the affairs of the association,
exploring the economic potentials available in Abia state.
A renowned entrepreneur and business leader, Mrs Catherine Igbokwe PhD, emerged victorious in the Chamber’s election,as the new president. She succeeds the outgoing President, Chief Chidi Nkem-Aruoma,who served the Chamber for many years.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Catherine Igbokwe pledged to promote economic growth, foster business partnerships in Abia, while advocating for policies that would be beneficial to members of the chamber.
“I am honored to lead this esteemed organization.My vision is to create a vibrant business community, drive innovation and enhance trade opportunities for our members”,she said.
The new President of UCCIMA bemoaned the challenges facing business owners in the Chamber and called for more efforts in making the chamber more viable.
According to her, no business could thrive without the provision of a conducive environment, especially on the area of power supply, urging the Chamber’s members to come together to mobilize new members into the chamber, for its sustainability, while appealing to the State government to provide the necessary support for businesses in the state to thrive.
The Outgoing President,Chief Chidi Nkem-Aruoma,in his speech congratulated the newly elected executive of the UCCIMA, expressing confidence that their leadership would birth a new business environment, enhancing business networking opportunities among members in the chamber.
According to him, it was time for business owners to come together, putting their resources to develop Umuahia. He said, apart from hotel investment, business owners and other investors, should think of developing small industries, with enormous economic benefits.
Chief Chidi Nkem-Aruoma, appreciated the members of the Umuahia chamber for their tireless support to his administration, adding that he wouldn’t have achieved much without their cooperation, urging them to continue in that level of support to the new executive, while promising to always offer assistance to the new leaders when the need arises.
He said the UCCIMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development, trade, and investment in Umuahia.The chamber according to him,represents various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and services, providing training and capacity-building programs, advocating for policy reforms, as well as, fostering partnerships with local and international organizations.
The Outgoing President further expressed confidence in the ability of the new executive to drive growth and development, thereby promoting the interests of the Chamber’s members.
In a vote of thanks, the first Deputy President, Hon Nmerenwanne Asonye, expressed satisfaction over the choice of a female president to pilot the saddle of leadership of UCCIMA,which he said, doubles as the first, since it’s creation.
Hon Asonye vehemently called for the reversal of the fuel subsidy, so that the nation’s economy could be resuscitated, while enjoining members of the UCCIMA under the new leadership to come together and make the association viable, pledging on behalf of other elected officers, that they would render selfless service to the association.
Meanwhile, the AGM elected Mrs Catherine Igbokwe PhD,as the new President, Hon Nmerenwanne Asonye as the first Deputy President, Hon Tony Nkiru Ifeanacho, 2nd Deputy President, Dr Anya Kalu, Vice President Health, Glory Emuchay,Vice President, Banking and Finance, Chief Obioma Okorie,Vice President,Trade and Investment, Hon Nkinuka Okoronkwo,Vice President, International Relations, Mazi Chijioke Onuoha,Vice President, IT, Engr Chukwu Adiele, Vice President, Membership, Arch Oshevire Oghene-Ovo,Vice President, Real Estate and Works, Okereke Kate, PRO and Igodo Christian,Vice President Environment.
Others were, Barr Ngozi Ukweni, Legal Adviser, Uche Nwosu, Special Adviser Media/Ex Officio, Chief Uzodinma Okpara, Patron,
Chief George Akoma, Patron,
Elder Emerson Nwakanma, Patron, Barr Okey Nzenwa,Patron and Chief Chidi Nkem-Aruoma Patron
