The Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA) on Thursday marked its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Golden Jubilee celebration with a strong call for businesses to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation as tools for competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The historic event, held in Abeokuta, also featured the inauguration of a new Executive Committee and Council of the Chamber, drawing government officials, private sector leaders, and stakeholders across Nigeria’s business ecosystem.
‘Fifty Years of Resilience, Enterprise and Collective Progress’ — ABEOCCIMA President
In his welcome address, the President of ABEOCCIMA, Mr. Timothy Shorunke, described the milestone as a “momentous occasion” reflecting five decades of resilience, enterprise, and institutional growth.
“Today marks our Golden Jubilee—fifty years of enterprise, resilience, partnership, and service to the growth of Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria’s economy,” Shorunke said.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers and successive leaders of the Chamber, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for its success.
“We honour the businesses that weathered cycles of reform and recession, innovation and disruption, yet kept faith with Egbaland and its people. Your courage and commitment remain the bedrock of ABEOCCIMA’s legacy,” he added.
Shorunke highlighted the Chamber’s contributions over the decades, including policy advocacy, MSME support, investment facilitation, and market expansion across sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, solid minerals, and the creative economy.
He stressed that the world of business is now being reshaped by data and intelligent systems, stating that “competitive advantage is no longer defined solely by capital, but by the quality of insight, the speed of decision, and the agility to adapt.”
The Chamber’s AGM lecture was themed: “Smart Business: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Competitive Advantage.”
Ogun Govt Pledges Support for Digital Economy, Industrial Growth
Representing the Ogun State Government, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Sofela Emmanuel Adebola, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses through innovation-driven policies and infrastructure development.
“Artificial Intelligence has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to a practical business tool reshaping industries across the world,” he said.
Adebola noted that businesses that fail to embrace technology risk becoming irrelevant, adding that AI is already improving productivity, customer experience, decision-making, and market intelligence.
He emphasized that MSMEs stand to benefit significantly from digital transformation, saying AI offers “opportunities to scale faster, optimize resources, and improve resilience even in challenging economic conditions.”
He further assured that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to industrialisation and ease of doing business.
“Ogun State recognizes Chambers of Commerce as indispensable partners in economic development. Government alone cannot drive prosperity without the private sector,” he stated.
AI Now Strategic Imperative for Nigerian Businesses — NACCIMA
In his address, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), noted that AI adoption is no longer optional but a survival strategy for businesses.
“The competitiveness of Nigerian businesses will increasingly depend on their ability to leverage digital technologies, data-driven solutions, automation, and artificial intelligence,” he said.
He disclosed that MSMEs account for over 39 million businesses in Nigeria, contributing about 50 percent of GDP and more than 84 percent of employment.
He added that Nigeria’s digital economy, contributing over 14 percent to GDP, is one of the fastest-growing sectors, urging businesses to embrace digital transformation.
“Embracing AI is no longer a matter of choice; it is becoming a strategic imperative for productivity, innovation, and access to global markets,” he said.
… Ogun Chambers Leader Calls For Unity, Institutional Strength
The Acting President of Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Elder Olatunji Adeniyi, described ABEOCCIMA’s 50-year journey as “a story of vision kept alive.”
“Fifty years is not merely a passage of time, it is the story of a vision kept alive, of sacrifices made by men and women who believed in organised private enterprise,” he said.
He urged members to strengthen unity and collective responsibility, stressing that “strong institutions are sustained not by executives alone but by members who understand that the Chamber belongs to all.”
He also congratulated the newly elected leadership led by Pastor Ibrahim Bada, urging them to build on the legacy of past leaders.
New Leadership Urged To Deepen Innovation, Growth
Across all addresses, speakers unanimously charged the newly inaugurated Executive Committee and Council to pursue innovation, inclusiveness, strategic partnerships, and capacity building.
They emphasized the need for ethical leadership, stronger business advocacy, and forward-looking policies to sustain the Chamber’s relevance in a changing economic environment.
… ABEOCCIMA at 50: A Legacy and a Future
As the Golden Jubilee celebration concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed commitment to repositioning ABEOCCIMA as a stronger platform for enterprise development and economic transformation.
Shorunke summed up the spirit of the occasion, saying:
“This Golden Jubilee is a testament to your faith in this institution and in the promise of Egbaland. Let us shape the next fifty years—smarter, stronger, and more inclusive.”
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