– Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ABEOCCIMA, has partnered with the IHK Giessen Friedberg Chamber of Commerce, Germany, to host a two-day leadership training and capacity building programme under the KVP Project, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving governance within the Chamber.
The retreat, themed “Leadership Portfolio Retreat,” brought together executive members and key stakeholders to strengthen governance structures, improve leadership performance, and reposition the Chamber for sustainable growth.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of ABEOCCIMA, Alhaji Abdur Rahman Maku, commended the commitment of the Chamber’s leadership and stressed the importance of continuous capacity development in achieving organisational success.
He said, “Leadership development remains critical to building strong institutions and enhancing the economic impact of the Chamber.”
Also speaking, the KVP Organisational Development Manager, Mr Sherif Olaleye, described the retreat as a key milestone in the second phase of the KVP Project, noting that the Chamber had recorded steady progress through the initiative.
He said, “This retreat represents a significant step in consolidating the gains of the KVP Project. What we are doing here is not just training, but building a leadership culture that will sustain the Chamber’s growth and relevance in the long term.”
Delivering the core sessions, Barrister Toki Mabogunje, a former president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, provided practical and experience-driven insights into leadership effectiveness, institutional governance, and strategic direction.
She emphasised the need for clear and measurable goals, collaboration over competition, and strict adherence to transparency and accountability.
She said, “Effective leadership must prioritise the collective interest of the organisation above personal gains, while strong governance systems remain the foundation for sustainable growth.”
The retreat also produced key proposals, including the establishment of strategic units such as the Business Education Services and Training Unit, Trade Promotion Directorate, and Research and Advocacy Unit to drive revenue generation, policy engagement, and capacity development.
Participants were further guided through performance management strategies, with Key Performance Indicators developed for various leadership portfolios to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.
As part of efforts to align with current economic realities, discussions also focused on restructuring ABEOCCIMA’s sectoral and trade groups to reflect critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, health, and energy, while expanding opportunities for women, youth, and small and medium enterprises.
The programme also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with government agencies, development organisations, and private sector stakeholders, alongside the need for revenue diversification and strategic investment planning.
Participants described the retreat as impactful, noting that it offered practical direction and a clear roadmap for improving leadership effectiveness and organisational performance.
