Senator Ikeje Asogwa Attends Nsukka Chamber of Commerce Dinner Night, Assures of Support and Cooperation, Reels Out Sustainable Initiatives and Efforts
Senator Ikeje Asogwa has reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA) to drive sustainable economic growth across Enugu North Senatorial District, while unveiling a series of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture, research, industrialisation and investment.
The senator, who was represented by Sir Engr. Paul Dinwoke, gave the assurance during the NSCCIMA Partnership Dinner held in preparation for the hosting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) National Executive Council Meeting and the 2026 NSCCIMA Trade Expo at K-Class Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Asogwa commended the leadership of NSCCIMA for bringing together stakeholders from government, business and the private sector in preparation for what he described as a landmark economic event for the Nsukka Cultural Zone.
According to him, the hosting of the NACCIMA National Executive Council Meeting alongside the 2026 NSCCIMA Trade Expo marks a historic milestone for the region.
> “This event is much more than a partnership dinner. It is the beginning of a new chapter in the economic history of the Nsukka Cultural Zone,” he said.
He noted that, for the first time since 1960, Nsukka would host the national gathering, a development he said had placed the cultural zone firmly on Nigeria’s economic map while providing an opportunity to showcase its agricultural potential, research strengths, entrepreneurial capacity and investment opportunities.
The senator described the theme of the forthcoming Trade Expo, “A Decade of Enterprise: Leveraging Natural Endowments, Research and Innovation for Sustainable Economic Growth,” as one that aligns with his vision for the sustainable development of Enugu North Senatorial District.
“Our economic future will not be built by government alone,” Asogwa said. “It will be built through deliberate partnerships that connect agriculture with industry, research with enterprise, innovation with investment, and our abundant natural resources with wealth creation for our people.”
Highlighting ongoing interventions, the senator disclosed that his office was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Enugu State Ministry of Water Resources and the World Bank to revive the Ada Rice Irrigation Project in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
He revealed that a joint technical team had already carried out an inspection of the project site as part of efforts to restore the irrigation scheme to full operation, enabling year-round rice farming, increasing food production, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening food security across Enugu North and the South-East.
Asogwa further disclosed that discussions with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources were progressing on the completion of the Adada Dam Project, which he described as a transformational infrastructure capable of supporting irrigation agriculture, potable water supply, fisheries development, agro-processing, industrial growth and rural economic transformation.
On education and research, the senator said his office had commenced strategic collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to assess the implementation of the agency’s 2026 intervention projects in major tertiary institutions within the district, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) and the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo.
According to him, the objective is to accelerate the implementation of the projects to improve infrastructure, strengthen research capacity and promote the commercialisation of research outputs.
“Research must move beyond the laboratory into the marketplace where innovation becomes enterprise, enterprise creates jobs and jobs drive sustainable prosperity. It should end in factories, create businesses, solve societal problems and provide employment opportunities for our young people,” he said.
Describing the forthcoming NACCIMA Council Meeting and Trade Expo as more than a ceremonial event, Asogwa said it would serve as a strategic platform for connecting investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers and policymakers in pursuit of shared economic prosperity.
He pledged to mobilise stakeholders across the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial District to ensure active participation by farmers, cooperatives, manufacturers, small and medium-scale enterprises, researchers, youths and entrepreneurs.
The senator also promised to continue engaging relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies to secure institutional support and national visibility for the event while strengthening partnerships capable of attracting investments into agriculture, manufacturing, education, research, innovation and enterprise development.
Looking ahead, Asogwa announced plans to convene an Enugu North Economic Development Roundtable during his next legislative term.
He explained that the initiative would bring together NSCCIMA, tertiary institutions, development partners, government agencies, investors and private sector operators to develop a coordinated roadmap for attracting investment, commercialising research, promoting industrialisation, supporting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and unlocking the enormous economic potential of the senatorial district.
“Together, we can position Enugu North not merely as a participant in Nigeria’s economic transformation, but as one of its leading drivers,” he said.
He commended the leadership of NSCCIMA for what he described as a bold initiative and assured the chamber of his unwavering partnership towards the successful hosting of the 2026 NACCIMA National Executive Council Meeting and Trade Expo, as well as the development of a stronger, more competitive and investment-friendly economy for the people of Enugu North.
Responding, the President of NSCCIMA, Barr. Sam Otobueze, thanked Senator Asogwa for his inspiring address and unwavering commitment to the economic advancement of Nsukka.
He said the senator’s vision was in line with the chamber’s projections for the region.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel. We are delighted by your supportive disposition and remain optimistic that, with leaders like you, Nsukka will recover economically and witness development in other critical sectors,” Otobueze said.
He added that the senator’s speech reflected the aspirations of members of the chamber and had further strengthened their confidence in a brighter economic future for the Nsukka Cultural Zone.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
