The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) has elected Barrister Austin Atakpu as its new President following the death of the former President, Mrs Aina Omo-Ojeonu, early 2023.
The election of the new president and other executive officers was held during the 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chamber, which held in Benin City, Edo State.
Until his recent position, Atakpu was acting President of the Chamber.
In a statement released Tuesday from the office of the President, other members of the new executive include; Engr. Godwin Omoregie Eki as the 1st Deputy President; Barr. Alex Eghosa Aganmwonyi as 2nd Deputy President; Pastor O.A. Balogun as Vice President; Sir (Dr.) B.J Braie as Vice President; Mr. Jonathan Alele Oboite as Vice President; Hon. (Barr.) Igbuan Ilofuan as Vice President; Lady Taiye Agbontaen as Treasurer; Mr. Andrew Odihi Ogiamien as elected Council Member, and Mr. Ekpen Isoken Odemwingie as elected Council Member, respectively.
“The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) held its 58th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 25th May 2023 at the Chamber’s Secretariat, Aerodrome Close, Off Goodwill Street, Off Ekenwan Road, Benin City, Edo State.
“The meeting attracted government functionaries, businessmen and women from the Chamber of Commerce Movement and the entire business community in Edo State and from across Nigeria. It was a grand event that climax in the election of Hon. (Barr.) Austin Atakpu as the 16th President of the Chamber,” the statement added.
In his acceptance speech, the new President said his administration would be development-friendly and promote business ideas for the economic emancipation of Edo State.
“We shall be receptive to ideas and suggestions, brainstorm together to move the Chamber to greater heights,” he said.
The president also assured members of improved working relationships with the various ties of the state government.
“We will ensure that the organization of Edo Domestic Trade Fair kick starts early every year. This will enable us to plan well and make success of the Trade Fair.
“We shall partner with government at all levels to improve the economic and commercial activities in the State,” said the president.
In the handover note presented, Mr John Imalingmhe, Director General of the Chamber, on behalf of the late President, said the outgoing administration organised the 2021 and 2022 editions of the Edo Trade Fair.
The administration, he said, also constructed a new chamber secretariat, built 11 new stores, and upgraded and carried out maintenance of the chamber’s website.
The statement also added that the new administration has given corporate Vice President portfolio to some individuals which include; Mr. Victor Ayemere as Vice President, International Business, Chief Edobor Ozakpolor as Vice President, Hospitality & Tourism, Mr. Igbe Osayande as Vice President, Project Monitoring and Industrial Development, among others.
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