The Vice-Chairman, African Region of the Association, Leye
Talpha Babalola, in his address after the inaugural election of the executives,
said the repositioning of the Chamber became paramount in view of the ultimate
benefit inherent in having such an organised and well-connected Chamber in the
country, and more importantly the need to have a trusted and tested Nigerian
entrepreneurs and result-oriented individuals to pilot the affairs of the
Chamber as well as act as Advisory Board members of the Chamber.
Babalola said AACCI was set up as a trade revolutionary
vehicle or platform to promote commerce, inbound investments, and to helping
member’s business learn, collaborate, build strategically partnerships and
manage transformational change, among members.
He added that AACCI is the only chamber of its kind at the
apex level to the existing bi-lateral chambers across the two regions.
“AACCI, with the support of its Head Quarters (Asian
Secretary Hub) in India, African secretariat office in Nigeria and as well as
satellite offices in Sri Lanka, Ghana, and Hong Kong liaises with
local/bilateral chamber of commerce to promote its member’s interest, hence the
need to reposition the Nigeria branch to accommodate those that can translate
the efforts of having our unemployed graduates fixed at different industries
and entrepreneural facilities scattered around the country”, Babalola said.
Some of those elected to pilot the affairs of the Chamber
include: Mr. Adesokan Adeyemi Taofiq – President, Mr Anrinle Ahmed Adekunle,
Vice President, Mr. Emmanuel Utomi Ayele – Secretary and Dr (Mrs) Zaidat
Mopelola Babalola – Treasurer
The Vice Chairman, however, urged the new executive to move
the Nigerian Chapter to its enviable heights in the 102 African member nations
and to ensure quality representation of Nigeria and Africa that will foster
development and realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) for SME’s 2030 as envisaged by AACCI.