18/03/2026
ABEOCCIMA Hosts Transformative Two-Day Leadership Retreat Under the KPV Project
The Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABEOCCIMA) recently hosted a two-day Leadership Training and Capacity Building Programme under the Chamber Collaboration (KVP) Project in partnership with IHK/Giessen Griedberg Chamber of Commerce, Germany, bringing together executive members and key stakeholders to strengthen leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The retreat, themed “Leadership Portfolio Retreat,” featured renowned legal practitioner and business development consultant, Barrister Toki Mabogunje, who is a past president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the lead facilitator. The training focused on enhancing governance structures, improving leadership performance, and positioning the Chamber for sustainable growth.
Delivering his opening remarks, the ABEOCCIMA Executive Secretary, Alhaji Abdur Rahman Maku commended the commitment of the Chamber’s executives and emphasized the importance of leadership development in driving organizational success. He noted that capacity building remains essential for strengthening institutions and improving economic impact.
Also speaking, KPV Organizational Development Manager, Mr. Sherif Olaleye, highlighted the progress recorded in the Chamber and described the retreat as a key milestone in the second phase of the KPV Project.
Participants engaged in intensive sessions on leadership principles, governance, and organizational structure. Barrister Mabogunje stressed the importance of setting clear and measurable goals, promoting collaboration over competition, and maintaining transparency and accountability in leadership.
She further emphasized the need for strong governance systems, noting that effective leadership must prioritize the collective interest of the organization above personal gains. Discussions also focused on democratic leadership selection, clearly defined roles, and the separation of responsibilities between management and elected executives.
A major highlight of the session was the proposal to establish strategic units within the Chamber, including the Business Education Services and Training (BEST) Unit, Trade Promotion Directorate, and Research and Advocacy Unit. These units are expected to drive revenue generation, policy influence, and capacity development.
The retreat also addressed performance management and implementation strategies under which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were developed for various leadership portfolios to ensure accountability and measurable results across operations.
The facilitator also guided participants through restructuring of ABEOCCIMA sectoral/trade groups to better reflect key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, health, and energy, while also creating space for women, youth, and SMEs.
In addition, emphasis was placed on strengthening partnerships with government agencies, development organizations, and private sector stakeholders. The importance of revenue diversification and investment planning was also highlighted as critical to the Chamber’s sustainability.
Participants described the retreat as impactful and transformative, noting that it provided practical insights and a clear roadmap for improving leadership effectiveness and organizational performance.
The program concluded with a renewed commitment from the Chamber’s leadership to implement the strategies discussed and drive meaningful growth within the organization.
The KPV Leadership Portfolio Retreat marks a significant step toward repositioning ABEOCCIMA as a more dynamic, inclusive, and results-driven institution capable of contributing to economic development at both local and national levels.
Signed
Shola Showunmi
Communication and Media Officer,
ABEOCCIMA.
