Asaba Chamber Seeks Royal Backing For Trade, Agriculture Partnerships
By PAULINA NZERUBE
The Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving trade, investment, and agricultural growth in Delta State, following a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN.
Leading the delegation on Tuesday, ASACCIMA President, Obi Chief Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Oduah, expressed gratitude to the monarch and the Palace Council for their consistent support, recalling the commissioning of the Chamber and its Arbitration Centre by the Asagba. She assured that the Chamber’s office was steadily taking shape and would grow into an institution of pride for Asaba, Delta, and Nigeria.
Monu-Oduah reminded the monarch of his earlier pledge to support the Chamber with fertilizers, noting that such assistance would strengthen its agro-allied initiatives, boost trade fairs, and enhance food security in the region.
She briefed the Asagba on ASACCIMA’s international engagements, including talks with the Swiss Embassy on empowerment and youth training, and a successful outreach to the Gambian Embassy in Abuja. That engagement, she said, led to a trade request for the monthly supply of 400 tons of palm oil from Delta State, to be exported through the Cocoa Port in Warri to Douala, Cameroon, for distribution across multiple West African countries.
The ASACCIMA President emphasized the importance of the monarch’s continued guidance, describing him as a custodian of prosperity and a father figure to the Chamber.
Responding, the Asagba commended ASACCIMA for its vision and dual role in promoting both trade and agriculture, as well as dispute resolution. He lauded the Chamber’s foreign outreach, describing the palm oil trade initiative as a strategic opportunity that aligns with the state government’s call for the activation of the Cocoa Port.
The monarch also highlighted the importance of harnessing the Niger River and reviving the “Blue Economy,” particularly fisheries and marine resources, pledging to facilitate future collaboration between ASACCIMA and the Blue Economy Committee.
Addressing his earlier pledge of support, the Asagba reassured the Chamber that discussions were ongoing with a U.S.-based family willing to make a contribution, promising to follow through once finalized.
He concluded by offering royal blessings to ASACCIMA, praising its dedication and urging collective responsibility in building an industrialized Delta State positioned as a hub for trade and agriculture.
