By Douglas Princemola
The Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) has formally ushered in a new era of leadership with the successful investiture of Chief Charles Okeke (Odiuko-na-Mba) as its 14th President and the inauguration of newly elected Council Members, marking a fresh phase for commerce, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Imo State.
The colourful presidential investiture ceremony, held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, brought together government officials, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, business executives, members of the diplomatic community, and other distinguished personalities from across Nigeria. The event highlighted OCCIMA’s role as the voice of the organised private sector in Imo State.
Representing the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor’s representative said the state government remains committed to working with the organised private sector to attract investments, promote industrial growth, create jobs, and improve the ease of doing business across the state.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the newly elected Governing Council, which will work closely with the President to advance OCCIMA’s vision of promoting business advocacy, investment, enterprise development, innovation, and economic competitiveness.
Among the newly inaugurated officers is Pharm. Dr. Mrs. Leoni Nnadumije-Nwosu, who assumed office as the First Deputy President. Speaking shortly after the ceremony, she thanked members of the Chamber for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and assured them of transparent, accountable, and purposeful leadership.
Dr. Leoni said she would work closely with President Charles Okeke and other members of the Council to reposition OCCIMA for greater achievements by promoting programmes and policies that will encourage industrial growth, support entrepreneurs, attract investment, and strengthen the private sector in Imo State.
She expressed optimism that through teamwork, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the Chamber would record remarkable progress and contribute to the industrial and economic growth of the state.
Reflecting on her personal inspiration, Dr. Leoni paid tribute to her late parents, Hon. Dr. Sir Christian Igwe, former Managing Director of Reagan Remedies Nigeria (Pharmaceutical) Limited, and the late Hon. Mrs. Eudora Igwe (Okwesilieze), a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly. She said their legacy of integrity, service, and commitment to development continues to inspire her.
She added that she would uphold those values by contributing to the growth of commerce, industry, and entrepreneurship while encouraging stronger collaboration between government and the organised private sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Barr. Evang. Jerry Egbule Egemba, congratulated the newly inaugurated leadership and assured OCCIMA of the Ministry’s readiness to work with the Chamber to promote industrialisation and economic development in the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state government is stepping up efforts to tackle illegal sand mining activities. According to him, enforcement operations against illegal mining operators and equipment would begin immediately, warning that anyone found violating the state’s mining regulations would face appropriate sanctions.
He explained that the government’s action is aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that the state’s mineral resources are properly managed for sustainable development. He also assured investors and businesses that the government will continue to provide an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive.
Participants at the event described the emergence of the new leadership as timely and expressed confidence that Chief Charles Okeke’s administration would strengthen OCCIMA, build stronger public-private partnerships, introduce innovative programmes, and create more opportunities for businesses operating within and outside Imo State.
The investiture ceremony also provided a platform for networking, policy discussions, and collaboration among government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders, with many expressing confidence that the partnership between government and the private sector would attract more investments and promote economic growth.
With the successful inauguration of its new leadership, OCCIMA begins another chapter focused on innovation, enterprise development, industrial expansion, and creating more opportunities for business and investment in Imo State.
