UYOCCIMA Unveils Programmes to FastTrack A’Ibom Industrialisation Drive

Okon Bassey in Uyo

To fast track the industrlization drive of the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA) has unveiled programs to engage industrialists within and outside the state.

Unveiling the program at the UYOCCIMA office, Uyo, the President, Her Excellency, Obonganwan Imo Isemin said that the body intends to hold its maiden edition of excellent awards that will engage captains of industry and stakeholders.

The event, which is being organised in collaboration with the state government, is slated for September 16, 2016, while the launch of the 2016 Akwa Ibom Trade and Tourism Fair (AKITTOF 2016), will hold from November 24 to December 11, 2016.

As a recognized voice of the organized private sector in the state, Isemin said that the vision of the body is to promote and provide business leadership in achieving the full industrial, economic, political and social potential of the state.

She added that as a member of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), UYOCCIMA is set to enter into business interactions with their counterparts across the globe.

Isemin explained that the awards aim to identify, recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions of the past and present leaders, who have deployed their capabilities and competences towards the socio-economic development of the state.

“The awards will acknowledge the commitment of entrepreneur, business leaders and individual in the pursuit of creativity, leadership, innovation and excellence in the public and private sector.

“Also, the role some individuals and organizations play in reducing poverty, providing micro credit, promoting community health, provision of scholarship schemes as well as support to rural women and widows in the state will be appreciated,”she said.

She maintained that the launch of the AKITTOF 2016 will be an important day in the calendar of the Chamber as it is designed to showcase the high and rich trade and tourism of the state.

“Akwa Ibom State is evolving into a tourist destination due to the massive infrastructural transformation, industrialization and urban development that has taken place in the state within the last 15 years.

“The 2016 Akwa Ibom Trade and Tourism Fair will be a multi-dimensional trade fair which will provide an ideal and perfect business matchmaking platform for manufacturers, importers, service providers, traders, investors and visitors to meet and discuss business opportunities”, she stressed.

The AKITTOF 2016, she said, will incorporate youth empowerment and youth engagement programs, a private sector-driven youth job registration and empowerment project called RUMSSY, registration of unemployed South-south youths among other things.