Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Uchenna Chukwu has assumed office as the 12th President of the Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), becoming the first woman to occupy the position since the establishment of the Chamber.

Chukwu formally assumed the leadership of the Chamber at her investiture ceremony held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Classic Munich Hotel and Resort, near the Area Command, Nnewi, Anambra State.

The ceremony was organised around the theme, “Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development.”

In her acceptance speech, Chukwu described her emergence as a major responsibility and expressed appreciation to the Council and members of NCCIMA for the confidence reposed in her.

She also commended past presidents of the Chamber, particularly the immediate past president, Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo, for laying what she described as a strong foundation for the continued development of NCCIMA.

Chukwu said her administration would focus on strengthening NCCIMA so that it could effectively lead efforts to restore Nnewi’s position as a major centre of commerce, manufacturing and enterprise in Africa.

According to her, Nnewi earned the reputation of being the “Japan of Africa” after developing from an automobile spare-parts trading centre into a major industrial city that attracted entrepreneurs and investors from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries.

She, however, expressed concern over the decline in the city’s industrial activities, noting that several manufacturing companies had either relocated or become moribund, while those still operating were contending with challenges including insecurity and the rising cost of energy.

> “Repositioning Nnewi as Africa’s Premier Hub for Commerce, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development is not just a theme. It is a responsibility,” she said.

Chukwu said the responsibility required the collective efforts of Nnewi indigenes, residents, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and the Chamber itself.

She identified access to finance, infrastructure, taxation, regulatory processes, skills development, technology and market access among the major issues confronting businesses, promising to ensure that NCCIMA provides stronger advocacy and constructive engagement on such matters.

She said her administration would position the Chamber as a platform for advocacy, networking, business development, investment promotion, entrepreneurship, innovation and public-private sector collaboration.

The new NCCIMA president also pledged greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises, young entrepreneurs and women in business, while seeking stronger partnerships with government institutions, financial institutions, development organisations, universities, research institutions and other chambers of commerce.

She said the Chamber would also promote innovation, digital technology, research and development and access to emerging local and international markets to improve the competitiveness of businesses in Nnewi.

Chukwu disclosed that her administration would sustain and expand the recently launched Igbo Apprenticeship Programme (Igba-Boyi), with the objective of maximising its economic benefits to the Nnewi business community.

She also set a target of completing the permanent headquarters of NCCIMA before the expiration of her tenure, noting that the project currently existed only as an architectural design.

She called for the collective support of members, stressing that the task of repositioning the Chamber and Nnewi’s business environment could not be accomplished by the president alone.

> “Let us bring our ideas, experience, networks, resources, and expertise together. Let us move beyond individual interests and work towards building an institution that will serve the broader interest of the Nnewi business community,” she said.

Chukwu pledged to lead the Chamber with integrity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, while soliciting the support, cooperation, constructive advice and prayers of members and stakeholders.

The investiture featured prominent business and community leaders, including Prof. Pat Utomi, who served as keynote speaker; the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, JP, CON; and Chief Sir Moses Ezukwo, President of NCCIMA and host of the event.

Also listed as special guests were Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, President, Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI), and His Excellency Prof. Chidi Anselem Soludo, Executive Governor of Anambra State, who was listed as Special Guest of Honour.

The ceremony also had Mr. Humphrey Ngonadi, President, South East/South South Chamber of Commerce, as Chief Host, while the organisers described Chukwu’s emergence as a landmark development in the history of NCCIMA.