...Chamber targets investment, trade, exports and stronger business partnerships in Ondo
By Adeola Shittu
Barrister Kehinde Ige, Esq. has emerged as the new President of the Akure Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AKCCIMA), taking over from Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo as the Chamber begins a new chapter focused on business growth, investment, trade and export development.
Ige assumed the leadership at the Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, at the Chamber’s head office hall in Akure.
The AGM, with the theme “Unlocking Growth, Trade and Export for a Competitive Future,” brought together business leaders, government representatives, members and stakeholders for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Ondo State.
The meeting also featured the admission of new members, the presentation of the outgoing president’s report, a keynote address, the transition to a new executive council and an awards ceremony honouring past leaders and prominent business personalities.
In his acceptance speech, Barrister Kehinde Ige thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with dedication, integrity and transparency.
He said his administration would build on the foundation laid by the outgoing leadership while creating a stronger environment for businesses to prosper.
Ige identified unity, innovation and collaboration as key to sustainable economic growth, promising to work with members and stakeholders to attract investment, support local businesses, create employment and improve living standards.
He also urged members to actively participate in the Chamber’s programmes, stressing that the success of AKCCIMA would require collective commitment.
In her final address, Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo, who became the first female President of AKCCIMA when she assumed office on February 14, 2024, reflected on the progress and challenges recorded during her tenure.
Ade-Ojo said she inherited a Chamber facing serious financial difficulties, indebtedness, a barely functional Secretariat and only about 20 active members.
According to her, membership has now grown to more than 80 active members, while the Chamber has also established an active AKCCIMA Cooperative Society to provide members with opportunities for savings, mutual support and improved access to financial opportunities.
She also highlighted partnerships with the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Federal and Ondo State Ministries of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and NDCCITMA, among others.
However, Ade-Ojo said access to finance remained a major challenge for members, particularly the non-disbursement of some loans approved through the Bank of Industry.
She called for stronger collaboration between the Chamber and the Ondo State Government, including greater use of Public-Private Partnerships, and proposed that the state should host an International Trade Fair and Exhibition to showcase local businesses, attract investors and expand market opportunities.
Ayoade speaks on growth, trade and exports
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Taiwo Ayoade, Group Managing Director of Agro Trades Limited, who spoke on the AGM theme, “Unlocking Growth, Trade and Export for a Competitive Future.”
The keynote session placed the spotlight on the need for businesses to move beyond survival, become more competitive and take advantage of opportunities in trade, agriculture, agro-processing and export.
The discussion also reinforced the need for stronger connections between businesses, government, financial institutions and markets if Ondo State is to fully harness its economic potential.
Also present was Engr. Olaleye Akinola, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, who expressed the state government’s willingness to work with AKCCIMA to take the Chamber and its members to greater heights.
AKCCIMA honours past leaders
The AGM also featured an awards ceremony in recognition of individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Chamber and the wider business community.
Among those honoured were Kabiyesi Adedeji Omisami, Baale of Agoro-Ijebu; Elder Omolade Owoseni; Engr. Emmanuel Ojo Adewumi of Denki Wire and Cable; and Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo of Felajoke House of Fashion.
Other award recipients included Elder (Mrs) Ogundare Olanike, Chief Executive Officer of Greenfield Foods, and Mr Opedun.
The awards provided an opportunity for the Chamber to celebrate its institutional history while welcoming a new leadership team.
New AKCCIMA executive council
The new executive council, led by Barrister Kehinde Ige, comprises: First Deputy President — Mrs Olayinka Alabi-Oladapo, Second Deputy President — Tunde J. Ajayi, Treasurer — Pastor (Mrs) Olufunke Ayodele-Okiribiti, Public Relations Officer — Kunle Ashaolu, Immediate Past President/Ex-Officio — Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo, WCCIMA Coordinator — Mrs Juliet Seyi-Olatunde, Legal Adviser — Aseyori Ayowole Ademoyegun, Esq. and NYE Coordinator — Mr Seyi David
The Chamber’s trade-group vice presidents are Dr Badejo Ayodeji Olugbenga for Commerce and Industries; Dr (Mrs) Olubukola Tolu-Akinbogun for Education, Science and Technology; Mrs Bukunmi Adejayan for Health Services; Mr Busayo Omidiora for Hospitality and Tourism; and Elder (Mrs) Ogundare Olanike for Agriculture and Exports.
With the transition completed, the new administration faces the task of consolidating the Chamber’s membership growth while addressing access to finance, strengthening government-business relations and opening greater opportunities for members in trade, investment and export.
For AKCCIMA, the new leadership represents not only a change of officers but an opportunity to translate the Chamber’s growing membership and partnerships into tangible opportunities for businesses across Ondo State.