Ige Emerges AKCCIMA President, Succeeds Funmi Ade-Ojo
By Adeola Shittu
Barrister Kehinde Ige, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State public service, legal practitioner, businessman and community leader, has emerged as the new President of the Akure Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AKCCIMA).
Ige succeeds Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo, who led the Chamber since February 2024. He assumed office at the Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, at its head office in Akure.
The AGM, themed “Unlocking Growth, Trade and Export for a Competitive Future,” brought together business leaders, government representatives, members and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges confronting businesses in Ondo State.
The event featured the admission of new members, presentation of the outgoing president’s report, a keynote address, inauguration of the new executive council and an awards ceremony recognising individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Chamber and the business community.
In his acceptance speech, Ige thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with dedication, integrity and transparency.
He said his administration would build on the achievements of the previous leadership while creating a stronger environment for businesses to thrive.
According to him, unity, innovation and collaboration would remain central to his administration as the Chamber seeks to attract investment, support local businesses, create jobs and improve living standards across the state.
Ige also urged members to actively participate in the Chamber’s programmes, stressing that the success of AKCCIMA would depend on collective commitment.
Ade-Ojo Highlights Achievements
In her final address, Ade-Ojo reflected on her tenure, saying she inherited a Chamber facing financial difficulties, indebtedness, a barely functional secretariat and only about 20 active members.
She said the Chamber now has more than 80 active members and has established the AKCCIMA Cooperative Society to provide members with opportunities for savings, mutual support and improved access to financial opportunities.
Ade-Ojo also highlighted partnerships with the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Federal and Ondo State Ministries of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce and NDCCITMA, among others.
However, she identified access to finance as a major challenge, particularly the non-disbursement of some loans approved through the Bank of Industry.
She called for stronger collaboration between AKCCIMA and the Ondo State Government through greater use of public-private partnerships.
Ade-Ojo also proposed that the state host an International Trade Fair and Exhibition to showcase local businesses, attract investors and expand market opportunities.
Government Pledges Support
The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, commended both the outgoing and incoming presidents for their contributions to AKCCIMA.
Akinola pledged the state government’s continued support for the Chamber, particularly in agriculture, business development and economic growth.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government Area, Ajibola Oladipupo, expressed his readiness to collaborate with AKCCIMA, noting that stronger cooperation between local governments and organised businesses was essential for economic development.
The keynote address was delivered by the Group Managing Director of Agro Trades Limited, Taiwo Ayoade, who spoke on the theme of the AGM.
He emphasised the need for businesses to move beyond survival, improve their competitiveness and take advantage of opportunities in trade, agriculture, agro-processing and exports.
Chamber Honours Contributors
The AGM also featured an awards ceremony to recognise individuals who have contributed to the development of AKCCIMA and the wider business community.
Those honoured included Kabiyesi Adedeji Omisami, Baale of Agoro-Ijebu; Elder Omolade Owoseni; Engr. Emmanuel Ojo Adewumi of Denki Wire and Cable; Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo of Felajoke House of Fashion; Elder (Mrs) Ogundare Olanike, Chief Executive Officer of Greenfield Foods; and Mr Opedun.
New Executive Council
The new AKCCIMA executive council is led by Barrister Kehinde Ige as President.
Other members are Mrs Olayinka Alabi-Oladapo, First Deputy President; Tunde J. Ajayi, Second Deputy President; Pastor (Mrs) Olufunke Ayodele-Okiribiti, Treasurer; Kunle Ashaolu, Public Relations Officer; Mrs Funmi Ade-Ojo, Immediate Past President/Ex-Officio; Mrs Juliet Seyi-Olatunde, WCCIMA Coordinator; Aseyori Ayowole Ademoyegun, Esq., Legal Adviser; and Seyi David, NYE Coordinator.
The trade-group vice presidents are Dr Badejo Ayodeji Olugbenga, Commerce and Industries; Dr (Mrs) Olubukola Tolu-Akinbogun, Education, Science and Technology; Mrs Bukunmi Adejayan, Health Services; Mr Busayo Omidiora, Hospitality and Tourism; and Elder (Mrs) Ogundare Olanike, Agriculture and Exports.
With the new leadership in place, the Chamber is expected to focus on consolidating membership growth, improving access to finance, strengthening government-business partnerships and creating greater opportunities for investment, trade and exports in Ondo State.
