Commitment and Sacrifice Key to Strong Business Organisations — Ezenwa …as Lelook Hosts NIKCCIMA

By Iyojo Ameh

Founder of Lelook Academy, Chief Chinwe Ezenwa, has emphasised the need for commitment and sacrifice among members of business organisations, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved through free participation.

Ezenwa made the remarks while hosting a delegation of the Nigeria–Kenya Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NIKCCIMA) during a courtesy visit to Lelook Academy in Abuja.

According to her, serious business initiatives require financial commitment and responsibility from members, stressing that organisations built on free participation rarely succeed.

“There is no freedom without a price. Everyone must be willing to sacrifice to be a member. Anything that comes free should make a serious business person cautious,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability among members, urging the leadership of the chamber to ensure that participants contribute meaningfully to its activities.

Ezenwa recalled earlier efforts by business leaders to strengthen trade relations between Nigeria and Kenya, adding that sustained commitment and disciplined structures are necessary to build on those foundations.

Speaking during the visit, Director-General of NIKCCIMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, commended members who have continued to support the chamber’s vision, noting that the organisation is gradually positioning itself for greater impact.

He explained that the current focus of the chamber is on mobilising committed individuals and businesses before allocating leadership positions.

“We want to first mobilise people and build a formidable base. When we have that strength, we can then return to the statutory processes that will establish leadership through proper elections,” Usman said.

He added that leadership positions in chambers of commerce are typically determined through statutory processes such as elections and consensus meetings.

Usman further disclosed that the chamber has been engaging stakeholders since its registration in August last year, including consultations with the Kenyan High Commission to strengthen bilateral trade relations and align programmes.

According to him, one of the key initiatives of the chamber is a collaborative programme designed to expand economic ties between Nigeria and Kenya and create opportunities for Nigerian businesses in the East African market.

The Global President of NIKCCIMA, Dr. Bob Achanya, also said the chamber is currently mobilising businesses across Nigeria while also strengthening its presence in Kenya.

He revealed that plans are underway to engage exporters in Lagos and visit the Lekki Free Trade Zone as part of efforts to deepen trade collaboration.

Achanya also disclosed that the chamber is preparing a Blue Economy and Trade Mission aimed at exploring economic opportunities in maritime and coastal resources while promoting investment partnerships between the two countries.

“We have completed the concept note for the mission and are setting up a small committee of experts with hands-on experience in Kenya to identify the most viable opportunities,” he said.

According to him, teams in Nigeria and Kenya are working simultaneously to establish structures that will facilitate stronger economic engagement and trade exchanges.

He added that the chamber is also working toward establishing a trade hub in Kenya and has already begun engagements with the Kenyan High Commission, trade institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment by participants to continue mobilising members, strengthen partnerships, and expand trade opportunities between Nigeria and Kenya.