Encomium
ANOTHER feather was added to the congested cap of Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, CON as she was installed as the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
She became the second woman to be made the president of the chamber in the 127-year history of the trade organization.
It was, therefore, not surprising to see the crème de la crème gathered at the hotel to honour her with their presence at her investiture.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was also at the history making occasion and took time out to have an exclusive interview with her.
Congratulations on your investiture as the president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. How does it make you feel?
Thank you very much. Extremely grateful. I feel highly honoured because it is a great achievement and I give thanks to God.
Was it something you were expecting?
I was the Deputy President for two years and automatically one would expect as a deputy to become president.
So, it was something you were expecting?
I thank God I got it.
What difference are you going to make as the president of the chamber?
I am experienced. So, I know what I can do to make a difference. I am happy that I became president at a time the whole government in Nigeria is going through a change and I will bring positive changes to the chamber.
What precisely is the chamber going to do to stem the high rate of unemployment in the country?
We will encourage employment in the country. As a former Minister of Industry, I believe that industrialization is the key to economic development, employment generation and poverty alleviation. We will do a lot of things to alleviate poverty.
How does it make you feel to be the second woman ever to be president of the chamber?
I am very grateful. Men have dominated the position for a very long time. That is why we (women) are so happy that I am there and I will not let them (women) down.
Was your becoming president of the chamber secured through election or just appointment?
Through election. I was nominated before I was elected.
Were there other contestants with you?
Nobody stood against me.
- TOLANI ABATTI
