The Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA) has concluded arrangements to inaugurate Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Uchenna Chukwu as its 12th President, making history as the first woman to lead the Chamber since its establishment.

The investiture ceremony is scheduled to hold at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Classic Munich Hotel and Resort, Nnewi, Anambra State. The event is expected to attract eminent government officials, captains of industry, business executives, diplomats, entrepreneurs, traditional rulers, and members of the organised private sector from across Nigeria.

The Chamber noted that the investiture would provide a platform for strategic engagement among policymakers, investors, industrialists and other stakeholders, while showcasing the economic potential of Nnewi—widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial and commercial cities. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit reputable manufacturing companies and industries in Nnewi and its environs, highlighting the city’s entrepreneurial strength and contribution to Nigeria’s industrial development.

Dr. Patricia Uchenna Chukwu brings to the presidency a wealth of experience in business leadership, entrepreneurship and public service. A distinguished entrepreneur and accomplished business executive, she has earned widespread recognition for her contributions to commerce, industry, innovation and enterprise development.

Over the years, Dr. Chukwu has consistently advocated for industrial growth, technological innovation, women’s economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable business development. Her leadership is widely recognised for promoting collaboration, excellence, integrity and inclusive economic growth.

Her emergence as the first female President of NCCIMA is regarded as a watershed moment in the Chamber’s history and a reflection of the increasing role of women in leadership within Nigeria’s organised private sector. Stakeholders believe her experience in both the public and private sectors uniquely positions her to advance the Chamber’s mission of promoting commerce, industry, mines, agriculture and investment.

As President, she is expected to strengthen partnerships between NCCIMA, government institutions and the private sector, while championing initiatives that will improve the competitiveness of businesses, support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), attract investment, expand industrialisation and create sustainable economic opportunities in Nnewi and beyond.

The September 26 investiture is expected to attract a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, development partners, professional bodies and members of the diplomatic community, as NCCIMA ushers in a new era under the leadership of its first female President.

The investiture is expected to mark not only a transition in leadership but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, with renewed commitment to innovation, enterprise development and economic transformation.