The Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (UCCIMA) has made an urgent appeal to the Abia State government for financial support to sustain its activities.
The chamber identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle hindering its success, emphasizing that with proper financial backing, it could play a vital role in transforming Abia’s business landscape.
Speaking to National Ambassador Newspaper during the Vietnam-Nigeria Business Meeting held in the state, UCCIMA President, Chief Chidi Nkem-Aruoma, highlighted that the chamber has outlined various initiatives aimed at driving economic growth in Abia. However, he lamented that many of these programs have been stalled due to insufficient funding.
Chief Nkem-Aruoma emphasized that UCCIMA plays a crucial role in fostering business growth, attracting investments, and creating job opportunities in the state, but decried that lack of financial support has hindered the chamber’s ability to implement key programs and initiatives that would drive economic development.
He further stated that with adequate funding, UCCIMA could effectively facilitate trade fairs, business expos and investment summits that would help showcase the vast business potential of Abia State to both local and international investors.
The UCCIMA President also highlighted the chamber’s efforts in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through capacity-building programs and networking opportunities. He noted that if properly funded, the organization could expand its reach and provide more entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to scale up their businesses.
While commending the State Government for its efforts in improving the business environment, Chief Nkem-Aruoma urged Governor Alex Otti’s administration to consider partnering with UCCIMA to achieve a more robust and sustainable economic framework for the state.
Aruoma further appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies and development partners to support the chamber’s activities, stressing that a thriving private sector is key to the overall economic transformation of Abia State.
He expressed optimism that with increased support, UCCIMA would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth and attract more investors to the region.
