The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture KWACCIMA, has held its 56th Annual General Meeting, AGM, with a call for stronger collaboration among the private sector, government and development stakeholders to promote economic growth in the state.
The meeting held on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, at the KWACCIMA Secretariat, Afon Junction, Ganmo, Kwara State, brought together members of the business community, government representatives, development partners and other stakeholders.
The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a welcome address by the President and Chairman of Council, KWACCIMA, Engr. Abu Salami, who welcomed members of the business community and stakeholders to the AGM.
Engr. Salami described the past year as one of resilience, commitment and purposeful engagement, noting that despite prevailing economic challenges, KWACCIMA remained steadfast in promoting the interests of the organised private sector.
He said the Chamber had participated in strategic programmes promoting commerce, industry, agriculture, mining and entrepreneurship, while strengthening relationships with government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and diplomatic missions.
He highlighted the Chamber’s collaboration with the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre and the successful Indonesian Business Forum held in Ilorin, which he said opened new opportunities for trade and investment between KWACCIMA members and international business communities.
He added that the Chamber had intensified its membership drive and encouraged stronger participation from sectoral associations, while providing platforms for business networking, investment promotion and enterprise development.
In her address, the representative of the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, Hajiya Raliyat Bola Suraideen, commended KWACCIMA for its efforts towards taking businesses to greater heights.
She said the state government operates business-support programmes that provide mentorship, training and market access initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises, equipping them with the tools needed to grow and compete.She noted that Kwara State is endowed with resources capable of supporting both local and international trade, adding that the government is promoting businesses with high export potential.
According to her, the government is also working with educational institutions to equip young people with vocational training, apprenticeship and entrepreneurship skills across the state, with the aim of building long-term prosperity and social progress.
She highlighted some of the state’s development initiatives and facilities, including the ICT Innovation Hub, Sugar Factory and agro-processing facilities, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economic base.
Also speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Women Affairs, the Director of Child Development, Hajiya Alabi Idiat, commended KWACCIMA for promoting women’s participation and equity within the business community.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of partner organisations, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, and the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, LNRBDA.
The meeting also featured presentations and lectures from the Craft Innovation Hub and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, focusing on issues relevant to business development, innovation and workplace protection.
As the AGM drew to a close, the First Deputy President of KWACCIMA, Alhaji Ibraheem Yinka Yahaya, delivered the vote of thanks.He appreciated members, guests, partners and stakeholders for their participation and encouraged non-members present at the meeting to pick up membership forms and join the Chamber in order to benefit from its programmes, networking opportunities and business support initiatives.
The AGM reaffirmed KWACCIMA’s commitment to strengthening the private sector, promoting investment and contributing to sustainable economic development in Kwara State and Nigeria.
