INTERVIEWERS:
We congratulate you as the 13th seating President of UYOCCIMA. Congratulations Sir, Your tenure has availed the Akwa Ibom State women and youth a voice in the business world of the State.
GIVE US, A BRIEF HISTORY OF UYOCCIMA.
ANSWER:
The Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture was established in 1989. An umbrella body for all business organizations in Akwa Ibom State.
UYOCCIMA’S membership is voluntary and ought to cut across businessmen, women, youths, Banks, Industries, all Companies and Allied sectors.
To expond further, UYOCCIMA’S vision and mission as the pillar body is to support expansion and development of the Private Sectors in the State.
Adding to that, UYOCCIMA is the Voice of Akwa Ibom State business, whose mission is ensuring an enabling business environment, Policy Advocacy that promote Economic growth and competitiveness of businesses through proper and prompt information dissemination; using modern technological/technicalities that strive in accordance with the ethics and standard of the global world stage Chambers Of Commerce And Industry.
INTERVIEWERS:
WHY DID YOU SEE IT NECESSARY TO SUPPORT AND APPROVE THE CREATION OF THE UYOCCIMA’S WOMEN/YOUTH WING?
ANSWER:
Presently, there two (2) vice deputy presidents of UYOCCIMA.
And Mrs Affiong Ibanga, who is a serial Entrepreneurs Expert in Maritime/Export, Agro Allied products/ Services, Branding/Packaging to mention few, was unanimously elected as the Deputy President 2. In considering her pedigree and successfulness as a woman in the business world, we needed her positive energy’, presence in the chamber so as to enable her educate and support our women/youth in business creation, management, and promotion.
As a successful business woman, we had thought it fit to create women friendly/oriented platform or group for her to impact them with the knowledge, exposure and all what it takes to grow a viable business.
And indeed that dream is actualized. As a proven case to study; visit the women/youth social media platform. One would come to terms with the fact that she has awakened the business initiatives, spirit and energy of our women and I know she is taking them someway.
The economic exchanged rampaging the UYOCCIMA’S women platform is too strong and benefiting that personally, have made orders to some products for myself. Isn’t that awesome!
INTERVIEWERS:
WHAT ARE YOUR EARNEST EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WOMEN AND YOUTH WING OF THE CHAMBER IN THE NEXT 10-20YRS.
ANSWER:
They should take over the business and economic hub of the state.
Am expecting the women to have total exposure to business world in areas of international fora/summit, exportation of goods/services, programs/policies that would help them do business successfully. Eg Linking themselves to NEPC on zero-Export facility Good finishing and packaging. They should also embark on programs that would create more awareness for other women/youth. For total emancipation and liberation of small and medium scale industries.
INTERVIEWERS:
TALKING ABOUT SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE INDUSTRIES; HOW FAR HAVE YOU GONE IN CREATING PLATFORMS FOR SMALL/MEDIUM SCALE BUSINESSES IN THE STATE?
ANSWER:
This issues is quite challenging. Considering Akwa Ibom State as a Civil Servant State. Apart from politics, there are just few level grounds for other sectors in the State especially Small/Medium scale businesses.
However, UYOCCIMA is envisaging to set on board about One Thousand Five Hundred (1500) viable Small/Medium Scale businesses in the State; in the next 10/20yrs.
Assuredly this is very possible having witnessed and also as a proven case to study the turn-up of business initiatives and ideas on the Women/Youth Social Media Platform. In just a few months.
INTERVIEWERS:
LASTLY SIR, WITH ALL MODESTY, WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR US TO LEAVE WITH AS A FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
ANSWER:
Women have all it takes to make a great difference in the business world and in political playground UYOCCIMA’S Women and Youth should work towards liberating themselves financially, so as to enable them impact the society uninterruptedly or run into financial limitations/constraints.
I have seen in so many instances that women are good and better leaders of the society. My late mother of blessed memory was not left out, because of her outstanding roles and personality traits she exhibited throughout her sojourn on earth. Therefore, for finances not to be an
“we had thought it fit to create women friendly/oriented
platform or group for her to impact them with the
knowledge, exposure and all what it takes to grow a viable
business. And indeed that dream is actualized.”
impediment UYOCCIMA Women/Youth wing should strive to be an independent model Not withstanding the head body (UYOCCIMA) would not relent efforts to actualize the dreams of the women/Youth wing of the Chamber UYOCCIMA as the umbrella body would see to the promotion, protection and development of all matters affecting her members businesses.
Would provide networks for national and international business contacts and opportunities.
Would create access to business information on policies, regulation, tariffs, credit facilities and programs by the Federal and State governments Secure Referrals for Visa Procurement to attending trade mission and conferences which will provide opportunities for large business network.
UYOCCIMA as a body, would advocate for better business environment, creating new opportunities for new industries/businesses.
Members benefits are so numerous and all efforts of the Head body (UYOCCIMA) is to attract inflow of information and investment.
