LCCI inducts 105 companies, urges SMEs to see opportunities

Babatunde Ruwase, president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has advised firms to look beyond the limitations created by the present economic situation and see opportunities for growth and inventions.

Ruwase stated this during the induction of 105 new companies in Lagos last Wednesday, with a promise to provide the needed platforms for them to grow.

The president, who was excited at the increasing numbers of farmers joining the chamber, encouraged members to exploit the present situation to come up with initiatives that would improve them individually and the country at large.

“Most of the new members inducted are products of the chamber’s mentorship programmes from farming, information technology, and real estate, who are ready to exploit opportunities in the business world. As a body we have provided links to successful members for mentorship.

“Farming business was not what people liked to do before, but today, 20 new farmers have joined the chamber, who are tractor assemblers, tractor hirers, and people who are producing drugs for farming, a positive sign that Nigerians are looking to exploit business opportunities. And as a body, we are ready to lead these new young members on the right path,” he reaffirmed.

On the chambers’ plan for the members, he said, “they have stated their expectations from the chamber and it will be studied to see how best to meet those expectations.”

In his addresss of welcome, Soboma Ajumogobia, chairman, membership and welfare committee, charged the new members to adopt high ethical standards to achieve profitability and a long-term presence in the global business world.

There are obligations which transcend profit making, he said, stressing that adequate attention to integrity of business transactions and practices is essential to ensure business continuity and profitability.

Ajumogobia, further disclosed that the companies inducted have fulfilled all criteria to become members of the chamber.

“I will like to reiterate the need for high quality representation at the level of chief executive officers and managing directors or at least at the senior management level in participating in the activities of the chamber,” he counselled.

David Ibemere