The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to collaborate with the new president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Gabriel Idahosa, to enhance economic activities in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the 135th anniversary and the investiture gala of Mr Idahosa as the 43rd President of the LCCI on Saturday in Lagos.

The governor was represented by the secretary to the state government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

He noted that the chamber had remained strong and committed to the lofty vision of its founding fathers, successively making it a foremost advocate body of the business community.

Mr Sanwo-Olu stated that the robust and engaging relationship that the state government had been sharing with the chamber would be built upon for continuity.

“My administration’s policy of promoting ease of doing business and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive is aimed at making sure Lagos remains the preferred destination for business.

“Hence, the collaboration with the LCCI plays a significant role in achieving that, and we are committed to strengthening this relationship as I look forward to working with the new leadership.

“We recognise that ease of doing business is pivotal to the economic development of the state and so would continue to provide a friendly environment to support existing businesses and attract more Foreign Direct Investment into the state.

“This is as we stay true to the THEMES agenda to aggressively transform the state into a megacity that meets the yearnings of all stakeholders, particularly the business community,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

In his acceptance speech, the new president of LCCI, Mr Idahosa, said the chamber, in line with its tradition of advocacy and engagement, would work with Lagos State and other stakeholders to achieve their collective aspirations.

Mr Idahosa said that to drive power supply, the LCCI would seek to be part of a Lagos universal power access network of stakeholders in the diligent execution of the Lagos State electrification policy.

He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government for their partnership via the contribution of land for the Lagos International Convention and Expo Centre.

“While not reducing our commitment to public policy advocacy, the LCCI pledges to continue to promote trade, business-to-business networking, opportunities and related matters impacting the business environment.

“It is, therefore, with profound humility and a sense of responsibility that I stand before you to receive the mantle of leadership of the LCCI and state my readiness to render this service diligently,” he said.

The LCCI’s immediate past president, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, lauded the chamber for maintaining its leadership position in the organised private sector, leveraging strategic partnerships with government and international institutions.

Mr Olawale-Cole said the chamber would continue to build on the legacies of its predecessor to maintain stability and progress while promoting and protecting the interest of the business community.

He stated that during his tenure, the LCCI recorded remarkable achievements and embraced innovation, adapting to global trends, which positioned the institute as a forward-thinking and influential institution.

“As I pass on the baton to the incoming president, I reflect on the remarkable strides we have taken together as we give God the glory for the achievements of the chamber in the past 135 years.

“As a Chamber, we remain committed to the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy, as we believe that the private sector is better placed to create wealth from which the government would generate revenue.

“As I bid farewell to my role as president, I express my appreciation to the entire LCCI community for the collaborative spirit that defined my tenure and plead that even more be done for the incoming president to take the chamber to greater heights,” he said.

(NAN)