The commitment of the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, to promoting investment and entrepreneurship was again recognized on Tuesday in Abuja, as the wealthy businessman was installed as the National Grand Patron of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, an umbrella body of Igbo traders in 58 markets across Lagos State.
According to the Secretary-General of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, Okonkwo who is also the President of the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NRCCI) was selected as the only National Grand Patron of his association due to his long history of promoting cooperation even across borders to boost investment.
Speaking during Okonkwo’s investiture which took place at the prestigious The Dome Entertainment Center, Abuja, Ukatu said the new National Grand Patron of his association’s business acumen and passion for education and relevant research made him the ideal candidate for the role.
Comrade Ukatu, said Prof. Okonkwo was appointed the National Grand patron of the association after a thorough examination of his business profile as an entrepreneur who started off as an apprentice at Onitsha Main Market.
He said: “He has been able to move from being an apprentice in Onitsha to rise to become an airline operator and owner. He has succeeded in several other businesses and that is why his choice as our National Grand Patron excited every member of the association.
“As it is, we are inspired by his story. And, we look forward to learning from him. All of us here have a lot to learn from him and we are happy that he accepted to become our National Grand Patron when we approached him with the offer. We are extremely happy and equally lucky to have him with us”, he said.
In his response Okonkwo said he accepted to work with the association after conducting a research on the authenticity of the groups involved. The business mogul described Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association as a collection of hardworking businessmen who deserve to be recognized for their immense contribution to the country’s economy and Nigeria, especially Lagos reputation as Africa’s economic and trade hub.
He commended the group for seeking to partner with him to further formalize the businesses of its many members. He assured that he will support the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Union in its quest to improve its relationship and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Okonkwo who delivered the keynote address at 2022 edition of the All Market Conference, organised by the Ndigboamaka Progressive Traders Association in Lagos in May stressed the need for the association to build on its collaboration with key stakeholders in government.
Okonkwo said of his accepting to be the National Grand Patron of Ndigboamaka Progressive Traders Association came after he was convinced that working the association will greatly contribute to economic growth and job creation.
He said: “These days’ groups emerge for different purposes. But at end of all my inquiries round the nation, I was convinced that Ndigboamaka Progressive Traders Association is an authentic organization, an umbrella under which our brothers who are in different markets in Lagos, numbering not less than 58 have come together to chart a common course.
“With Ndigboamaka Progressives Association, we shall be able to advance the cause of the Igbo people beginning from the markets where we have a lot of Igbo people contributing immensely to the economic development of our dear country.
“The contributions of our traders to the growth of our country is something that we all must appreciate and seek ways to enhance it and build better synergy for the good of our country.
“Our brothers and sister who operate from the markets can no longer be seen, and treated, as dregs of society because their contributions to the economic growth of the country is huge. Therefore, we must work together to achieve the visions of the association for the overall good of our country”, he added.
Prof. Okonkwo, who was decorated with a commemorative sash by the leadership of the association, was also presented with a certificate of recognition as National Grad Patron of Ndigboamaka Progressives Market Association.
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