Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, the newly inaugurated 12th President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), has identified the completion of the Chamber’s permanent headquarters and expansion of the Igbo apprenticeship scheme as key priorities of her administration.
Chukwu made this known during her investiture ceremony on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Classic Munich Hotel and Resort, near the Area Command, Nnewi, Anambra State.
The new president, who is the first woman to lead NCCIMA, said her administration would use its two-year tenure to strengthen the Chamber and contribute to the revival of Nnewi’s commercial and industrial fortunes.
Her administration is operating under the theme: “Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development.”
Chukwu said the Chamber’s permanent site, which currently exists as an architectural design, must move from the drawing board to a completed facility before the expiration of her tenure.
She also pledged to sustain and expand the recently launched Igbo Apprenticeship Programme (Igba-Boyi), with the aim of generating greater economic benefits for the Nnewi community.
According to her, the two initiatives form part of a broader agenda to reposition NCCIMA as a stronger institution capable of supporting businesses and influencing the economic development of Nnewi.
She said Nnewi’s transformation into a major industrial centre was driven by entrepreneurship and enterprise, but expressed concern that the city had experienced a decline in some of its traditional commercial and manufacturing activities.
Chukwu noted that several manufacturing companies had either relocated or become moribund, while businesses still operating in the city were facing challenges including insecurity and high energy costs.
She said her administration would therefore strengthen NCCIMA’s advocacy role and facilitate engagement with government, financial institutions, development organisations, universities, research institutions and other chambers.
The president also listed access to finance, infrastructure, taxation, regulatory processes, skills development, technology and market access among the issues that would receive attention during her tenure.
She said NCCIMA would place particular emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, young entrepreneurs and women in business, while promoting innovation, digital technology, research and development and access to emerging markets.
Chukwu appealed to members of the Chamber to contribute their expertise, networks, resources and experience to the development agenda, stressing that the task of rebuilding the business environment could not be undertaken by the president alone.
She pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, while calling for the cooperation and constructive advice of members.
The investiture attracted business and community leaders, with Prof. Pat Utomi as keynote speaker. Other dignitaries listed for the event included the Igwe of Nnewi, Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, JP, CON; immediate past NCCIMA President Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo; Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, President of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry; and Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi, President of the South East/South South Chamber of Commerce.
Chukwu’s tenure, therefore, begins with a dual emphasis: strengthening NCCIMA as an institution and using its platform to support the revival of Nnewi’s business and industrial ecosystem.
