Business
By Blessing Joe
THE Kosofe Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosted its much anticipated President’s Dinner and Awards Night on Friday, December 20. The event attracted a good number of dignitaries including public officials and business leaders.
The purpose of the event was to celebrate the achievements of the commerce and industry despite the clumsiness in the economy and to recognize key players in the community.
The event held at the Fish Farm Ogudu, highlighted the chamber’s important role in promoting economic growth in the Kosofe region and beyond.
The dinner began with opening remark from the Founder and President of the Kosofe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Joe Femi-Dagunro, who extended gratitude to the attendees, stating:
“What drives us as a chamber is the impact we have on the local economy and SMEs.
“There is no doubt, the global economy has defied the known economic theories and is bringing the masses into a state of confusion in all spheres of life. Among the fundamental problems of the SMES are lack of funding and bad business structure.
“However, today is not a day of lamentation. Starting next year, the chamber will conclude the registration of its multipurpose cooperative society that will enable its members to have access to loans at a single digit interest rate so that small business owners (SBOs) can grow their businesses and provides job opportunities. SBOs cannot depend on palliatives or grants alone”
He once again pledged support for SBOs in the region and urge them to become members of the chamber in order to foster a more inclusive economy.
The keynote address was delivered by Olatunde Adejuyigbe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Adejuyigbe highlighted the importance of the chamber´s presence to business owners as he believes that it is a good collaboration approach.
“A business owner that wishes to be successful ought to see the need to be part of a body like the Kosofe Chamber of Commerce, that offers a platform for collaboration,” he said.
Adejuyigbe believes that standing together is an antidote to a seasoned business growth.
He further explained that standing together is not limited to business owners alone but everyone who is affected in one way or another, he advised business owners to join forces by merging their businesses in order to prevent it folding up or going down the drain.
Another notable remark came from the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Aina Olugbemiga. In his speech, Olugbemiga, commended the Kosofe Chamber of Commerce for its distinguished contributions to the region.
“The Kosofe Chamber of Commerce since its commencement has been a groundbreaker in promoting economic growth in this region.” He mentioned that it is the responsibility of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce to ensure that more chambers are established in Lagos.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding businesses, groups and individuals. Some of the categories included and not limited to; Employer of the Year´ award - Nosak Group,Educator of the Year´ award – Halvan Hill Schools, ‘Hospitality of the year´ award – Fish farm, `Community Pharmacy of the Year´ award – Pharm Affairs.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included; Dr. & Muda Yusuf, chief executive officer. CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, Adeniji Abdulazeez, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Dame Olajumoke Simplice, Fmr. President West African Union of Tax Institute, Chief Oluruntele Oduloye, President Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce, Dolapo Coker, Fmr. President Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology, Mike David and his wife, Kazeem Ugbodaga, Editor, PM Newspaper, Maureen Chigbo, Publisher/Editor, Realnews Magazine, Jide Aremo, chairman, Supreme MfB, Mr. John Ologe, managing director. MD, Davodani MfB, and Olatunji of Bristow Helicopters.
Photo Caption: Joe Femi-Dagunro, Founder & President, Kosofe Chamber of Commerce & Industry (in black) flanked on his right Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, Permanent Secretary, Min. of Commerce & Industry, Lagos State, on his left, Mr. Waheed Kasali, Perm Secretary, Tertiary Education, Min. of Education, Lagos State and other guests
22nd December, 2024.
C.E.
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