On the 6th of August 2024, the President and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi, paid a significant courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Sherif Adeshina Bello, the Onigbanko of Igbanko Kingdom. This visit was part of BACCIMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with the traditional rulers who serve as vital pillars of support and guidance in the Chamber’s mission to foster economic growth and development in the region.
The BACCIMA delegation, which included the Director-General, Mr. Emmanuel Essien; the Director for Government Affairs, Ms. Bukola Agemo; the Pioneer Women Leader, Ambassador Nicky Maxwell; and Mr. Ayodele Nunayon Goboze, was warmly received by the highly revered Oba Sherif Adeshina Bello. His Majesty took the time to personally welcome and entertain the delegation, demonstrating his deep respect and appreciation for BACCIMA’s efforts in driving transformative change within the Badagry Division.
During the visit, His Royal Majesty commended BACCIMA for the remarkable progress it has made in a relatively short period. He highlighted the Chamber’s achievements in promoting trade facilitation, economic development, and the overall well-being of the communities within the region. His Majesty emphasized that the Royal Fathers are committed to working in harmony with BACCIMA to ensure that these positive developments continue and that the region benefits from sustained growth and prosperity.
Oba Sherif Adeshina Bello also spoke passionately about the importance of unity among all stakeholders involved in the region’s development. He underscored the need for collaboration and the collective effort to ensure that the right policies and initiatives are implemented effectively. The King stressed that when all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, government officials, and business entities, work together with a shared vision, the potential for growth and development is limitless. He urged BACCIMA to continue its efforts in fostering such unity and collaboration, as it is crucial for the region’s long-term success.
In a show of his unwavering support for BACCIMA and its initiatives, His Royal Majesty pledged his full backing to the Chamber. He expressed his willingness to provide land within his domain for development or industrial schemes, recognizing the importance of creating opportunities for economic activities that can benefit the local population. The offer of land is a significant gesture, reflecting the King’s commitment to contributing to the economic transformation of the Igbanko Kingdom and the wider Badagry Division.
The visit was also an opportunity for the BACCIMA delegation to brief His Royal Majesty on the Chamber’s ongoing projects and future plans. Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi took the time to outline BACCIMA’s strategic goals, including initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoting industrial development within the region. He expressed his gratitude to Oba Sherif Adeshina Bello for his continued support and reassured His Majesty that BACCIMA remains dedicated to working closely with the traditional institutions to achieve these goals.
The dialogue between BACCIMA and His Royal Majesty was marked by a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region. Both parties recognized the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the Igbanko Kingdom while pursuing economic growth. The King’s offer of land for development is seen as a key enabler for BACCIMA’s future projects, particularly in establishing industrial hubs that can attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
As the meeting drew to a close, Alhaji Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi thanked His Royal Majesty for his hospitality and for his unwavering support of BACCIMA’s mission. The visit to Oba Sherif Adeshina Bello was not just a courtesy call but a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between BACCIMA and the traditional rulers of the Badagry Division. It underscored the mutual commitment to driving sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that the benefits of these efforts are felt by all members of the community.
The visit to the Onigbanko of Igbanko Kingdom was a resounding success, solidifying the relationship between BACCIMA and one of the region’s most influential traditional leaders. With the support of His Royal Majesty, BACCIMA is well-positioned to continue its mission of transforming the Badagry Division into a thriving economic center while maintaining the rich cultural legacy of the region.
