By Lucy Ogalue
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated its National Policy Fellowship (NPF) programme to drive national development.
The ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the NPF is a prestigious programme that acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the economy through their operations in various fields.
The field includes improved service delivery, academia, manufacturing, national security and defense, business and human rights and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)industry.
Others are civil society and community development, and impactful chamber movement.
Obegolu said: “the fellowship programme aims to recognise outstanding contributions to national development; and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
“It promotes excellence in various fields and encourage leadership and innovation.
“We will be recognising 14 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.”
Obegolu said the fellowship nomination and review process was robust and rigorous and involved nominations from selected stakeholders followed by a review by a selection committee.
He said the committee’s selection criteria include professional achievements, contribution to the relevant field of endeavor, reputation and standing within an industry, and a commitment to advancing business and economic growth.
According to him, the awardees are required to contribute to the ACCI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support projects that advance the ACCI’s strategic priorities.
“The investiture ceremony will take place at the Abuja Convention Centre on Sept. 23, during the opening ceremony of the Abuja International Trade Fair, a flagship event of the ACCI.
” This year’s Trade Fair promises to be an exciting platform for business networking, investment opportunities, and the exhibition of innovative products and services,” he said.
Obegolu said Prof. Na’ Allah Rasheed, Ex-Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja and Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive-Secretary, Nigerian Human Rights Commission were nominated for the Academia and Business and Human Rights category.
He said the current and past presidents of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Otunba Dele Oye and Ide Udeagbala were nominated under the Chamber Movement category.
He said two ACCI past presidents, Tony Ejinkeonye and Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, were also nominated under the Chamber Movement category.
“Mr Kelechi Deca, Civil Society Leader and Public Policy Analyst was nominated under the Civil Society/Community Development while Dr Haruna Abdullahi, Chairman, FCT-Internal Revenue Services for Improved Public Service Delivery.
“Other nominees for Improved Public Service Delivery include Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary, Petroleum Resources and Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry,Trade and Investment
“For Industry/SME Development we have Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dozie Mbanefo, Chief Executive Officer, New Crystal Communications Ltd and Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, Managing Director Stone Ville Technology Ltd.
“And the nominee under the Legislative Policy is Ikenga Ugochinyere, Member of the House of Representatives,” he said.
The ACCI boss congratulated the nominated fellows and expressed optimism for their continued impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He said:” the ACCI NPFs have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Nigeria’s economic progress and have inspired others through their work.
” We are proud to recognise their achievements, uphold and applaud them, and welcome them to the ACCI family.” (NAN)