Abuja Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (ACCI)

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Fri, 2025

Chamber advocates gender parity to promote women in leadership roles

338 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has advocated gender parity to encourage and promote women in leadership roles across the country.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, made the call at the 2025 Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit in Abuja on Thursday.

The summit was organised by the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC) of the ACCI.

Obegolu, who said the theme of the summit was “Pioneering Innovation and Driving Inclusive Change”, added that Nigerians must reflect on the transformative role women play in shaping the future of ADR.

He noted that the summit was a testament to the power of inclusion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of equity in the dispute resolution landscape.

He further emphasised that women have continually broken barriers, redefining the standards of excellence in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.

“This is a time when we believe women will make a difference, taking on leadership roles to sustain and accelerate progress.

“Each of us has a role to play. Whether as mentors, allies, policymakers, or practitioners, we must continue to champion the inclusion of women in ADR.

“I call us to commit to advancing gender parity, encouraging equal representation in ADR institutions and leadership roles, mentorship, sponsorship, innovative solutions, and global collaboration,” he added.

Obegolu also highlighted that history showed women have been at the forefront of conflict resolution, both within families and communities, and now in boardrooms, courtrooms, and arbitration panels worldwide.

The president added that innovation in dispute resolution was not solely about technological advancements but also about diverse perspectives, fresh approaches, and inclusion.

He said women were key to achieving inclusive strategies that lead to fairer and more effective outcomes.

“Women bring unique skills and perspectives to ADR.

“By harnessing these tools, we enhance the credibility and accessibility of ADR mechanisms, making them more responsive to the needs of diverse stakeholders.

“Moreover, gender diversity in ADR is not just a moral imperative. It is a business and legal necessity. Inclusive panels and tribunals are more likely to produce balanced, just, and well-reasoned work.

“We are not only strengthening ADR but also reinforcing the principles of justice and fairness that underpin our profession,” Obegolu said.

Mr Adetukunbo Kayode, Chairman of (NCC-DRC), emphasised the need to ensure that dispute resolution mechanisms reflected the diversity of the society they serve.

Kayode called for a strong commitment to mentoring, supporting, and creating pathways for more women to thrive in ADR.

Speaking at the summit, Hajia Hauwa Usman, Registrar-General of the NCC-DRC, said that the centre was aimed at supporting effective dispute resolution.

Usman further stated that the essence of the summit was to drive inclusive change, shaping the future of ADR in innovative, inclusive, and truly transformative ways. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Folashade Adeniran
Feb, Tue, 2025

Business

Abuja chamber educates SMEs on insurance for business sustainability

318 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hosted a webinar on Tuesday to educate Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) on the significance of insurance in strengthening business sustainability in Nigeria.

Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, explained that the purpose of the session was to raise awareness among entrepreneurs about the importance of insuring their businesses.

The webinar, organised by ACCI’s National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by highlighting the strategic significance of insurance and debunking common myths.

It also provided practical guidance on selecting the right insurance products to ensure business resilience.

“By giving SMEs a deeper understanding of insurance, we hope to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Nigerian businesses,” Jideani said.

He emphasised that businesses, regardless of size, face risks such as natural disasters, financial crises, and unforeseen challenges, which could threaten their survival.

“Unfortunately, many small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria fail to consider insurance as a fundamental risk management strategy, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks.”

Jideani assured participants that the insights from the webinar would be conveyed to the relevant authorities to inform policies aimed at fostering business growth and development.

Mr Olusegun Omosehin, Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), represented by Hajia Aisha Bashir, Head of Microinsurance at NAICOM, discussed the obstacles faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

He emphasised the importance of insurance for the long-term viability of these businesses.

“Insurance is essential for business stability, continuity, and growth,” Omosehin stressed.

He explained that a strong insurance portfolio improves an MSME’s creditworthiness, making it easier for them to secure loans for expansion and investment.

He also noted that NAICOM was committed to making insurance accessible and affordable for MSMEs across the country, introducing insurance literacy programs to help business owners make informed decisions about their coverage.

Omosehin urged SMEs to view insurance not as an expense but as an investment in their business’s future.

He said that with the right coverage, their business would not only survive but also thrive. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru