Owerri Chamber Of Commerce Renews Efforts To Enhance Imo Economy

A breakfast meeting convened for media executives has called for increased government involvement to facilitate business operations in the Heartland state, reports GELE AGBAI.

The Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA), under the leadership of Chief Charles Okeke, is demonstrating a commitment to revitalizing the business environment in Imo State. Since assuming office in June of this year, the Okeke-led executive has undertaken strategic initiatives aimed at improving the business climate within the state. The previously dormant OCCIMA has indeed reawakened, launching an awareness campaign that will soon feature prominent signage across the skyline of Bank Road and Assumpta Road, announcing the organization’s presence.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, OCCIMA took a significant step by organizing a breakfast meeting for media executives from both traditional print and electronic media outlets. The meeting was well-attended, and discussions focused on strategies for enhancing the Imo economy, yielding fruitful outcomes.

Chief Okeke set the agenda during his presidential address, asserting that the Imo economy is currently underperforming due to various impediments to its progress.

He indicated that the chamber intends to engage with the state legislature to advocate for the enactment of a law mandating that all businesses operating within the state become members of the chamber. OCCIMA is also prepared to interface with state officials whenever the chamber is granted an audience.

What, then, is the role of the chamber? Okeke explained that OCCIMA unites traders, manufacturers, farmers, miners, professionals, service providers, transporters, hospitality operators, technology companies, artisans, women-owned businesses, young entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the private sector. The chamber’s responsibilities include organizing these businesses, representing their collective interests, enhancing their capabilities, connecting them to opportunities, and engaging with government and relevant institutions regarding policies and conditions that affect their operations.

While acknowledging that businesses can operate independently of chamber membership, Okeke emphasized that affiliation with the chamber positions a business for accelerated growth and profitability.

He noted that while a solitary voice may be overlooked by the government, an organized collective will command attention and action.

The OCCIMA president outlined several benefits of chamber membership, including collective representation and policy advocacy, business training and capacity development, as well as access to information on government policies, regulations, and economic opportunities. Additional advantages include access to markets, investors, financial institutions, and development partners; networking and business-to-business connections; support in enhancing business documentation; and alignment with accepted business practices. Furthermore, membership confers greater credibility, visibility, and public recognition, along with opportunities for collaboration with government ministries, agencies, universities, and professional bodies.

Participants also proposed various strategies for improving the business climate in Imo State. Mr. Chidi Emeagi, publisher of Newsguide Newspaper, urged the chamber to sponsor a private member bill that would allocate a specific percentage of the state budget for business development initiatives. He suggested that local businesses could leverage these funds to support their operations.

Zandas Okeke, station manager at Hot FM 99.5, advocated for a partnership with the media to publish and broadcast programs addressing economic issues. He emphasized that these programs and publications should aim to inform and educate citizens, enabling them to make informed choices and decisions.

Chief Salvator Amadi, publisher of National Newsblast Newspaper, called on the government to awaken from complacency and mobilize efforts toward the industrialization of the state.

He highlighted that proposals submitted to the state government for establishing a cement factory in Okigwe, which has significant limestone deposits, have been neglected. Amadi also noted that the Owerri Industrial Layout has been left moribund and a large tract of land in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area, donated by a late military officer for mechanized farming, has remained unused.

Commendations were offered by Chief Henry Ekpe, Co-Publisher of Trumpeta Newspaper; Elder Chukwuemeka Ike, Publisher of City Star Newspaper; Stanley Duruanyim, Publisher of Newsday Newspaper, and Rev Fr. Ray of Ozisa 96.1 FM in recognition of OCCIMA’s renewed efforts to improve the state’s economic prospects.

Clearly, the new leadership of OCCIMA, under Okeke, is poised to achieve its objective of revitalizing the state’s economy, provided it remains committed to its sensitization campaign. It is concerning that while businesses in other regions capitalize on opportunities provided by the federal government, firms in Imo are lagging due to a lack of awareness.