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NINTH MILE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INAUGURATES FOUNDING PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL, SETS PATH FOR ENUGU’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Ninth Mile Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of its President, Surveyor L.C.K. Ugwu, recently held a landmark event at De Angelo Hotel in Enugu State.
The occasion marked the inauguration and investiture of the chamber’s founding president and council members.

As an industrial hub, the Ninth Mile Chamber is positioning itself to redefine Enugu’s economy — by promoting entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth, and driving infrastructural development.

According to Surveyor Ozo L.C.K. Ugwu, President of the Ninth Mile Chamber:
“When you are coming down and get to Ninth Mile corner, you know that within the next five to ten minutes, you are there. And because of that position, created by nature, it carries great economic potential. For ease of doing business, you don’t need too much planning. But unfortunately, a lot of developments have been randomly put in place. That is why we emphasize the need for a proper sectoral plan. Without it, you cannot guarantee one kilometre, with nine miles of surface area.”

Transition to Government Perspective
In his goodwill message, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, affirmed the government’s commitment to the Chamber’s vision.
He said:
“We have been entrusted with the responsibility to translate the Chamber’s identity as the gateway to the East into tangible opportunities — for local businesses to thrive, and for trade to expand. This is not a journey you will walk alone. The prosperity of our economy requires collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society. Together, we must create an enabling environment for business. Today, we are not just inaugurating leaders; we are inaugurating hope, vision, and courage. A new chapter has opened for the Ninth Mile Chamber of Commerce, and for the economic future of our region.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Loretta Aniagolu highlighted the vital role of the Chamber in connecting stakeholders.
She remarked:
“The Chamber connects business to business, business to government, and local businesses to local markets. In doing so, it ensures that opportunities are not missed, ideas are exchanged, and partnerships are born. It speaks for the private sector — ensuring that their concerns and innovations influence appropriate government policies. The Chamber is a powerful accelerator for growth, advocating fair, transparent, and equitable policies that nurture a predictable business environment.

Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit Report
The summit, themed “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimizing Investment and Partnerships,” aims to attract investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the state’s vast potential in various sectors.

Key Highlights

• Agriculture: Bauchi State offers immense opportunities in agriculture, with 4.2 million hectares of arable land and fertile Fadama plains, suitable for rice, sesame, groundnut, maize, and livestock production. The state currently has only 1.8 million hectares of farmed land, leaving over 57% of the land suitable for agriculture waiting to be utilized.
• Natural Resources: The state is rich in over 20 valuable solid minerals, including limestone, gypsum, kaolin, gold, coal, and iron ore, with confirmed oil and gas reserves in the Kolmani Basin. An investment of over $1.5 million has been attracted towards the establishment of a cement production company.
• Commerce, Trade, and Industry: Bauchi is becoming a hub for light manufacturing, agro-processing, and trade, driven by its location, raw materials, and growing SMEs. The state government is working on creating industrial parks and trade clusters to further boost economic growth.
• Tourism: The state boasts rich natural heritage and culture, with attractions like Yankari Game Reserve, Sumu Wildlife Park, and Wikki Warm Spring.

Special Features

• Speech by H.E. the Governor: Governor Bala Muhammad will lead the summit, emphasizing the state’s potential and investment-friendly policies.
• Networking and Deal Room: The summit will provide a platform for investors to connect with decision-makers, explore viable projects, and secure partnerships.
• Dignitaries in Attendance: Notable dignitaries include¹ ²:
  • Alhaji Aminu Hammay: Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Investment
  • Muhammad Salis Gamawa: Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Investment
  • HRH Igwe Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu OON CFR: Renowned dignitary
  • Alhaji Yahuza Haruna: Economic Adviser to the Governor
  • Dr. Ernest Nwachukwu: South East Program Coordinator
  • Surv. L.C.K. Ugwu: President, 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture

Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The summit aims to:

• Create over 500,000 new jobs across various industries
• Attract investments to drive sustainable development
• Foster partnerships between the public and private sectors
• Promote digital transformation and showcase opportunities in fintech, mobile payments, agritech, and e-commerce

The Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit is a significant step towards unlocking the state’s economic potential and attracting investments to drive growth and development. With its rich natural resources, investment-friendly policies, and growing industries, Bauchi State is poised for economic prosperity.

A momentous occasion at the prestigious Banquet Hall of the Ilorin Conference Centre, located in the heart of Kwara State, Nigeria. The event is the 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), taking place on this significant day — the 19th of June, 2025. This landmark conference has drawn key business leaders, policymakers, and prominent stakeholders from across the country to discuss and shape the future of commerce and industry in Nigeria.Among the distinguished participants are leaders of the South East Chambers of Commerce, who are present in full force to contribute their insights and represent the business interests of the region. The photograph proudly showcases these leaders, with a particular focus on the respected Ozo Surveyor L.C.K. Ugwu, FNIS, who currently serves as the President of the 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce. His presence at this high-profile national event underscores the growing influence of regional chambers in national economic discourse.Surveyor Ugwu, known for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to regional development, stands out among the delegates. As the President of the 9th Mile Chamber, located in Enugu State, his contributions have been pivotal in promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating trade, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within and beyond the South East zone. His involvement in the AGM highlights the commitment of the South East business community to engage with national platforms and collaborate on strategies for inclusive economic growth.The Ilorin Conference Centre provides an ideal venue for such a gathering, boasting modern facilities, excellent logistics, and a culturally rich environment that reflects the unity and diversity of Nigeria. This year’s AGM is expected to feature keynote speeches from government officials, panel discussions on policy reforms, exhibitions from member chambers, and networking opportunities that foster inter-regional cooperation.Importantly, the event also serves as a forum to review past achievements, deliberate on emerging challenges facing Nigerian businesses, and adopt forward-looking resolutions that will shape the association’s strategic direction for the coming year. With the active participation of chambers from every geopolitical zone, including the South East, the 65th AGM affirms NACCIMA’s role as a catalyst for economic advocacy, investment promotion, and business development. Therefore, is more than just a record of attendance—it is a testament to the active engagement of South East leadership in national economic matters. Figures like Ozo Surv L.C.K. Ugwu symbolize the region’s determination to contribute meaningfully to the national economy through innovation, unity, and responsible leadership.

Inauguration of Ease of Doing Business Council by H.E, Executive Governor of Enugu State Dr P N Mbah today Thursday 22nd May 2025 at Lion Building Government House Enugu. The Governor is the Chairman of the Council while relevant Commissioners are also members. The 3 Chamber City Presidents and other Business sector representatives are made members, 9th mile chamber President Ozo Surv. Leo Ugwu fnis inclusive.

The unveiling of the first compendium of 100 most outstanding entrepreneurs/CEOs from the south East took place @ ECCIMA House GRA Enugu Our able president Surv ozo LCK Ugwu as son of Ngwo soil performed the traditional breaking of the kolanut. The event was very successful and a new dawn of lifting the Organized Private sector OPS within Ndi Igbo to another level. The event was well attended from all states of south East. The South East Chambers of Commerce SECCIMA has shown a strong progressive leadership in improving the economy of the region by honoring individuals who have done well to grow the economy by their honest services and industry. You are next person to be honored by next publication. DG..
Link of the video below
https://www.facebook.com/leonardck.ugwu/videos/687537837130529/?app=fbl

The South east Development commission SEDC earlier today held an interactive session with the leaders of the organized private sector OPS at old Government Lodge GRA Enugu State.
SEDC team came fully led by their Managing Director Mark Okoye. His Excellency Gov Peter Mbah was ably represented by Hon Comnissioner for investment and trade Enugu state. Mrs Adaora Chukwu, Surv LCK Ugwu 9CCIMA president, Executive Director operations Barr okonkwo and other leaders of South East Chambers of commerce SECCIMA President Mr Humphrey Ngonadi and others. It was very successful. A new dawn has come to Ndigbo which has been waited for over 54years. South East will become what God has destined her to be and 9th Mile Chamber is part of the New Dawn in Igboland.

On March 7, 2025, the National Association of Surface Tank Oil and Gas Retailers of Nigeria (NASTOGRN) inaugurated its executive members and officially launched its operations in Enugu State at the Hon. S. J. Nnaji Hall, Enugu South Local Government Secretariat.

NASTOGRN was established under the Federal Character CAC/IT/NO.95849 as part of the Federal Government’s initiatives to enhance the Oil and Gas Industry, particularly in the downstream sector. The organization aims to increase the local availability of gas and petroleum products, create jobs, and stimulate socio-economic development through indigenous participation and private investment. This includes facilitating the establishment of modular refineries in Nigeria.

The goal of NASTOGRN is to economically empower low- and medium-income earners in Nigeria through legal retailing of gas and petroleum products. This will be achieved by setting up State Fabrication Centres for surface tanks in all 36 states, regulated by NASTOGRN to ensure the elimination of pipeline vandalism, bunkering, exploitation, hoarding by dubious middlemen, sharp practices, artificial fuel scarcity, and the adulteration of gas and petroleum products in the distribution chain. NASTOGRN aims to provide efficient and effective services that will engage the community and help curb criminality and social vices associated with unemployment and lack of industrialization.

The National President and BOT Chairman of NASTOGRN, Hon. (Dr.) Marcus Okotete, alongside Vice President Chief (Amb) Bishop Esther Edem, inaugurated the executives and launched the operations of NASTOGRN in Enugu State. The event was attended by representatives from various Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Police Area Command, the Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Fire Service, as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers.

Surv. Ozor L.C.K. Ugwu was inaugurated as the Enugu State Chairman of NASTOGRN, alongside four other members of the state executive.

In his acceptance speech, Surv. Ozor Leo Ugwu pledged to uphold the integrity of NASTOGRN and work diligently to ensure its presence across the wards and local government areas (LGAs) of Enugu State. He also called on the people of Enugu State to engage with this initiative to protect and promote local retailers of oil and gas.

Law enforcement agencies, the Federal Fire Service, religious leaders, and traditional rulers commended NASTOGRN for this commendable initiative and pledged their support for its operation in Enugu State.

“MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Get ready for the most anticipated event of the year coming up on 20th Feb 2025 as we host the Chairman Enugu State Internal Revenue Service

Come learn, network, and celebrate with us!
Join us for a series of engaging activities, including:

– Tax clinics and workshops
– Interactive seminars on tax compliance
– Recognition and rewards for compliant taxpayers
– Live music and entertainment