By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
EKET, The Pioneer President of the Eket Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EKECCIMA), Elder Aniedi Abasi Ikoiwak, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for stimulating economic activities, supporting small businesses and farmers, and creating an enabling environment for private sector growth.
Ikoiwak gave the commendation on Saturday while delivering his valedictory address at the investiture and inauguration of the second President and Executive Council of EKECCIMA at Royalty Hotel, Eket. In his speech titled “The Emergence of a City Chamber,” he urged the state government to strengthen its collaboration with organised business groups to accelerate economic development.
Tracing the Chamber’s evolution, Ikoiwak said the initiative began in 2020 when a group of Eket businessmen and professionals established the Eket Business Group (EBG) to promote business growth and networking. The group was registered with the Akwa Ibom State Government in 2021 before evolving into a full-fledged city chamber in December 2022, following its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
He recalled that the Chamber’s first Executive Council and Patrons were inaugurated on March 23, 2024, with him as Pioneer President. He said EKECCIMA recorded more than 70 per cent success in its strategic focus areas, which included skills development, access to business and agricultural support facilities, and monitoring the impact of public policies.
Its achievements included training young entrepreneurs, encouraging members to participate in professional workshops and partnering with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCIMA) to facilitate access to single-digit interest loans.
Commending Governor Eno, who is also a member of EKECCIMA, Ikoiwak acknowledged the administration’s economic programmes, including grants and support for small businesses and farmers. He called on the government to partner with city chambers across the state to identify genuine entrepreneurs and ensure that business support and intervention programmes reach the intended beneficiaries.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chamber’s patrons, sponsors, members and corporate partners, while praying for divine guidance for the incoming leadership to build on the foundation already laid.
