Penultimate Saturday, the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) formally ushered in a new administration with the investiture of Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe as the third President of the Chamber, succeeding Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, whose two-year tenure ended in grand style.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) investiture and handing-over ceremony, held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at Hunwaji Hotel and Suites, Badagry, brought together business leaders, government representatives, traditional rulers, Members of the Ikorodu and Agbara- Ota Chambers, Hoteliers, representatives of NACCIMA, entrepreneurs, Farmers, Cross border traders, Perishable Associations and other stakeholders.
The ceremony commenced around 12:45pm with the singing of the third stanza of the National Anthem, followed by an opening prayer delivered by Hon. Jacob Kentomaun, former Sole Administrator to Badagry Local Government.
The Master of Ceremony welcomed members and dignitaries to the occasion, and introduced the NACCIMA President, Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahimin OON, mni who was ably represented by the National Second Deputy President Chief Dr. Michael Olawale Cole, who also doubled as the Chairman of the Ceremony, the outgoing President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, while also acknowledging the presence of the incoming President, Mr. Ashamu S. Fadipe, the new First Deputy President, Mrs. Ngozi Ann Modebelu, BACCIMA Directors, the pioneer President of the Chamber, Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose Possi III, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, Mr. Segun Alugba, Ag. Director who represented the Honourable Commissioner of Commerce and host of others.
The formal proceedings commenced with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chamber.
During the meeting, the outgoing President recalled the NACCIMA decision that the new President and other officers of the Chamber were to be inaugurated as part of the investiture programme.
The Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Eyitayo Ariori, informed the meeting that only one person had expressed interest in the vacant position of 2nd Deputy President, namely the volunteer serving Director-General of BACCIMA, Engr. Senu M. Seton, which was push forward to allow for the commencement of the investiture.
In his Valedictory address, the Outgoing President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris thanked Almighty Allah for His grace,guide and guardiance during his two years tenure. “Almighty Allah took control of all ugly situations”.
He, Alh. Yahaya Idris thanked the National President of NACCIMA Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahimin OON, mni, his Executive Council and the Esteemed Members of NACCIMA for their lovely support always during his tenure, which without their support, and the National President in particular, the successes recorded would have been impossible.
“Despite the teething problems, we raised the bar of BACCIMA to National and International levels”.
All our engagements with CCI- Benin Chamber of Commerce and other Chambers in West Africa are there to see.
We conducted the BACCIMA Maiden Trade Fair in May 2026 at the Lagos International Trade fair Complex.
My administration advocacy are numerous such as on Insurance of ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card, Commencement of Badagry Deep Sea Port, engagements with Eko disco and stakeholders on epileptic power supply to Badagry. Our engagements with Seme Border Security agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, NAFDAC, Plants Quarantine, NDLEA, Nigeria Shippers Councilvand host of others are yielding positive results on Cross border trade and more importantly, on the formalization of informal trading activities.
The establishment of BACCIMA cooperative, our partnership with the Badagry Local government Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Humor on “Invest Badagry” .
Baccima numerous collaborations with Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, NEPC, Nigerian French Language Village, Lagos international Trade fair Management under the leadership of Dr Barrister Erelu Vera Ndamusa and host of others.
During my tenure, we carry out so many capacity buildings/ Enlightenments with SMEDAN,PORTBIZ, NEPC, CCI Benin, and host of other clinics held by BACCIMA at Star Rise Golden Hotel, Ajara Badagry.
All the above achievements were made possible with the absolute cooperation of the Executive Council, Esteemed members, particularly the Women wing.
Delivering the keynote remarks on behalf of NACCIMA National President, the 2nd Deputy President of NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, who also chaired the ceremony, congratulated the outgoing President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris for his wonderful performance as the BACCIMA President for the past two years. He commended Yahaya for the exposure he had created for BACCIMA as a Chamber in Nigeria and ECOWAS. He urged the new leadership to build substantially on the progress already recorded by BACCIMA.
NACCIMA National President, Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of strong business advocacy, constructive engagement with policymakers and practical support for businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He noted that Badagry occupies a strategic position along the Lagos–West African corridor, with its proximity to the Republic of Benin creating significant opportunities for cross-border trade, logistics, investment and regional economic cooperation.
Dr. Olawale Cole, as the Chairman of the Occasion, further identified Badagry’s coastal resources, agricultural and fisheries activities, tourism, hospitality and emerging creative economy as important components of the area’s economic potential.
The NACCIMA leadership expressed confidence that the new BACCIMA administration would advance the interests of members while strengthening partnerships with government agencies, business organisations and other stakeholders.
Dr. Olawale-Cole urged the new administration to deepen private-sector participation, strengthen cross-border trade and promote investment opportunities in Badagry.
The Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Trade Cooperative and Investment, Mrs Folasade Kaosara Ambrose ably represented by Ag Director of Trade, Mr. Segun Alugba, in her good will message praise the President of BACCIMA Alhaji Yahaya Idris for his consistency and readiness at anytime to contribute to advancement / growth of commerce, trade and investment in Lagos state.
She praised BACCIMA for organizing the maiden trade fair and contributions to the Lagos state industrial policy, she pledge the continued support of the Ministry to BACCIMA at anytime
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, commended BACCIMA for its contributions to the development of the local economy and its cooperation with the local government. He encouraged businesses and residents to continue contributing meaningfully to the growth of Badagry, while noting the efforts of the local government to create a more conducive environment for commerce and economic activities.
The good will messages of the Pioneer President of BACCIMA, Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, Chief Mrs. Cynthia Saka the President of ODUACCIMA Women Chamber ( WCCIMA) Director-General of the Nigerian-French Village, Professor Diopo Kolawole, represented by Mrs. Agemo, Chairman Hoteliers Association Mr. Tajudeen Fatoma, and other stakeholders, all reflected a common call for stronger collaboration between the Chamber, government, entrepreneurs , stakeholders and the wider business community.
The keynote address was delivered by Barr. Kola Awe, who spoke extensively on the opportunities available in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and the need for greater utilisation of the country’s export potential.
He particularly highlighted Badagry’s strategic location as an important gateway for trade and export, stressing the potential of the area to serve as a major route for international commerce. Barrister Awe encouraged the cross border traders to be compliance in their operations. “Please get your required border agencies documents, necessary Customs, NAFDAC, Plants Quarantine, etc documents, you are good to go without giving bribes since you have meet the export requirements”.
Barr. Awe also drew attention to Badagry’s tourism potential and the importance of trade facilitation, urging businesses to take advantage of export opportunities as a means of building sustainable enterprises.
His presentation generated considerable interest among participants, with questions raised by members of the audience and appropriately addressed by the speaker.
As part of efforts to continually expand the Chamber’s membership and strengthen private-sector participation, Nineteen (19) New members were formally inducted by Mrs. Cynthia Saka on behalf of Chief Olawale Cole as full members of BACCIMA during the ceremony.
The induction further underscored the Chamber’s commitment to providing a platform through which businesses and entrepreneurs can access advocacy, networking opportunities, partnerships and other forms of institutional support.
The high point of the ocassion was the formal investiture of Mr. Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe as the third President of BACCIMA.
The investiture was conducted by Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, 2nd Deputy President of NACCIMA and Chairman of the ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, the new President expressed gratitude to the members of BACCIMA and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to work collaboratively with past presidents, members of the Chamber, the Executive Council, government institutions, traditional authorities, business organisations and other stakeholders to consolidate the progress already achieved.
Fadipe’s assumption of office comes at a significant period in Badagry’s economic development, with growing attention on the area’s position in cross-border commerce, logistics, tourism, investment, agriculture, fisheries and other emerging economic sectors.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of BACCIMA.
An award was presented to the NACCIMA National President, Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, which was received on his behalf by Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole.
Likewise, Chief Cole was given an award for his financial contributions to the successful hosting of BACCIMA Maiden trade fair in May 2026.
An award was also presented to Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, the pioneer President of BACCIMA, in recognition of his foundational contribution to the establishment and development of the Chamber. So also Chief Dr. Samuel Hundogan, the Agoloto of Badagry and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee for his contributions to the growth of BACCIMA.
The new 1st Deputy President, Mrs. Ngozi Ann Modebelu, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to dignitaries, members, guests, partners and all stakeholders who honoured the invitation and contributed to the success of the occasion.
The ceremony came to an end at exactly 15:38.