By Merit Ibe
The LCCi recently inducted 45 organisations into its community with a charge to pay attention to the integrity of their business transactions and practices, environment, climate actions and social sustainability.
Commending the new organisations, president, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, advised them as business owners and managers, to maximise profit, and be committed to the core principles of high ethical standards, global best practices and responsible corporate citizenships.
He said the induction ceremony, is the second to be held this year 2022 and the occasion is to formally induct worthy businesses that meet the criteria to become members of the prestigious Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He advised them to place a high premium on the membership status and take it very seriously so as to be positioned to appropriate as much benefit as possible. “Positioning to appropriate the benefits the chamber confers implies active participation at the many programmes, activities and platforms carefully designed to meet the needs of your organisations.”
Vice President & Chairman, Membership & Welfare Committee of the LCCI, Sir Ladi Smith, commended the wisdom of the businesses and organisations “in taking this very important step in deciding to become members of our esteemed Chamber.’’
He said it is one which if taken with the seriousness that it deserves will have significant and positive impact upon the business endeavours of the firms to stimulate growth, profitability, sustainability and the creation of new jobs for Nigerians and others.
Mr Cole highlighted the potential benefit for the new members which he says is on multiple levels. Some of these include; •Access to useful & accurate business information essential for business planning and strategy; •Credibility and trust in international business circles towards consummating collaborative partnerships and joint ventures for mutual benefit; •Advocacy on issues that directly & indirectly impact upon your businesses. You will no longer be voiceless but will gain strong access and capacity to bring your own inputs to bear upon important state & national economic policy formulation matters owing to your membership status, and
•Chamber intervention on your organisations’ behalf with relevant organs of government (where necessary) at federal and subnational levels, among others.
5-Opportunity for your organisation‘s brand visibility to gain real traction and enhancement through sector specific exhibitions, trade shows & trade fairs both locally and internationally.
6-Global business opportunities and partnerships through participation in both outbound and inbound trade missions.
7-Access to robust Chamber business advisory services.
8-Access to discounted but high-quality training and business development services through our Chamber.
9-Provision of business documentation services.
10-Business networking opportunities both locally and internationally etc.
‘’You must however, place a high premium on your membership status and take it very seriously so as to be positioned to appropriate as much benefit as possible to all of your organisations. Positioning to appropriate the benefits the chamber confers implies active participation at the many programmes, activities and platforms carefully designed to meet the needs of your organisations,’’ he said.
He advised the nominating representatives to attend the Chamber’s many activities, saying ‘’your organisations will do well to select senior management executives that will best represent the interests of your firms by recognizing these opportunities and contributing impactfully to relevant platforms.’’