ACCI Inaugurates Young CEOs Forum Executives, Reaffirms Commitment to Future Business Leaders

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, has inaugurated the second Executive Committee of the ACCI Young CEOs Forum, reaffirming the Chamber’s dedication to grooming the next generation of business leaders.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the President’s Conference Hall of the ACCI Secretariat, marks another milestone in the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to strengthen youth entrepreneurship and promote inclusive economic growth.
The ACCI Young CEOs Category, the sixth group within the Chamber’s membership structure, was established on May 20, 2021, under the leadership of the immediate past President, Al-Mujtaba Abubakar. The Forum was created as a platform for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 to encourage mentorship, networking, and business development.
In his address, the ACCI President tasked the newly inaugurated executives with providing strategic leadership to reposition the Forum for greater impact. He stressed the need to drive membership growth, strengthen member-focused programmes, enhance advocacy, and deepen collaboration with the ACCI Secretariat and key stakeholders.
He outlined their responsibilities to include:
Driving membership growth and engagement within the Chamber and Forum
Strengthening programming and collaboration among young entrepreneurs
Enhancing advocacy for a more supportive business environment
Managing the administration of the Forum in collaboration with the Secretariat
Providing regular reports on activities and performance to the ACCI Executive Committee
The newly inaugurated Executive Committee members are:
Mr. Najib Waziri – Chairman
Ms. Susan Galadimawa – Vice Chairman
Mr. Oladele Femi – Treasurer
Ms. Cynthia Otubu – Secretary
Mr. Egena Elvis Akogwu – Program Director
Speaking during the event, Chief Obegolu described the Young CEOs Forum as a vital pipeline for future leadership within the Chamber. He urged the executives to take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence.
He noted that the Chamber places strong importance on the Forum as a training ground for emerging business leaders who will shape the future of the ACCI and Nigeria’s private sector.
The Director-General of the Chamber also encouraged the new executives to maximize the platform by expanding their networks, building capacity, and contributing meaningfully to the Chamber’s growth. Similarly, the Vice President, ICT and Digital Economy, Chigozie Igwe, assured them of continued support and collaboration for a successful tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Forum, Najib Waziri, expressed appreciation to the ACCI leadership for the trust placed in the team. He pledged that the new Executive Committee would deliver impactful programmes, mobilise young entrepreneurs across Abuja, and significantly grow the Forum’s membership.
He added that the Forum would focus on practical initiatives such as business expansion, mentorship, networking, capacity building, and connecting members with opportunities to scale their enterprises.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of appointment letters to the newly inaugurated Executive Committee members.
The ACCI Young CEOs Forum continues to play a crucial role in empowering young entrepreneurs, positioning them as job creators and active contributors to Nigeria’s economic development.