The Organised Private Sector under the Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has unveiled a Chamber Academy aimed at professionalising operations across the South-West, as the German-backed KVP project formally commenced.
This formed the highlight of the South West Chamber Forum held on Tuesday at Cocoa House, Ibadan, where 118 stakeholders from across the region converged to chart a new course for chamber administration and regional economic cooperation.
Speaking at the forum, the President of ODU’ACCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, described the Chamber as “a gateway to business opportunities and a catalyst for growth, not a source of direct financial grants,” stressing the need for members to reposition for value-driven engagement.
He said the forum marked a transition from conceptual discussions to practical implementation of reforms that would strengthen chambers across the five South-West states.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of ODU’ACCIMA, Miss Precious Adebayo, noted that the gathering was convened to deepen regional synergy and align stakeholders with global best practices.
A key presentation by Mr Sheriff Olaleye of the KVP Project Team introduced what he described as a roadmap for a “globalised South-West,” anchored on institutional capacity building and international collaboration.
He explained that the newly introduced Chamber Academy would serve as a long-term institution to train and mentor future chamber executives, adding that the initiative was designed to transform chambers into high-performance business service organisations.
“The goal is simple. Improve the Chamber so the Chamber can improve its members,” he said.
Olaleye also emphasised the need for all chambers in the region to meet what he termed the “Lagos standard,” noting that bridging operational gaps across states would unlock greater economic potential.
He further highlighted the benefits of the German-Nigerian partnership involving IHK and Sequa, stating that it would connect local businesses to global expertise, standards and market opportunities.
On the technical side, the Technical Adviser to ODU’ACCIMA, Prince Ifeoluwa Adesanya, presented findings from a needs assessment survey, revealing disparities in operational structures, constitutional frameworks and service delivery across chambers.
He said the data-driven analysis identified capacity gaps in smaller chambers and provided a basis for a unified regional roadmap.
Participants at the forum validated the findings during an interactive session, endorsing the recommendations as reflective of realities on ground.
In his presentation, the Director-General of ABEOCCIMA, Alhaji Maku AbdRahman, called for clearer administrative structures within chambers, particularly in defining the roles of governing boards and executive management.
He also introduced a sustainability model anchored on a “pay or pledge” system, urging member chambers to meet their financial obligations to ensure effective regional coordination.
At the end of deliberations, stakeholders adopted key resolutions including the harmonisation of constitutional documents and standard operating procedures, implementation of the Chamber Academy, and the establishment of a mentorship framework where larger chambers support emerging ones.
The forum also fixed October 2026 for a follow-up regional training to consolidate the gains of the KVP project and address emerging concerns.
In his vote of thanks, the First Deputy President of ODU’ACCIMA, Hon. Olumide Araoyinbo, commended the contributions of key partners, particularly Engr Victor Adegoke and Mr Sheriff Olaleye, for their roles in advancing the KVP initiative.
