By Francis Nwaokoro
When tradition, vision and enterprise converge, leadership acquires both authority and purpose. This blend is evident in the presidency of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA) under Hon. Obi Chief Chinwe Monu-Oduah, whose tenure has steadily repositioned the Chamber as a formidable voice for business growth in Delta State.
A respected community leader with deep roots in commerce, Obi Chief Monu-Oduah’s decision to take on the ASACCIMA leadership was driven by what she describes as a “commitment to building an enabling environment for businesses.” Drawing from years of close engagement with traders, entrepreneurs and investors, she identified the need for a stronger, more coordinated platform to advocate for the interests of businesses across scales. ASACCIMA, she believed, offered that platform — and the opportunity to transform Asaba into a thriving hub of commerce and investment.
Her leadership philosophy is shaped by resilience and service. From her days as President of the Market Leaders and Traders Association of Nigeria to her stewardship of women-led enterprises, she has encountered first-hand the challenges confronting small and medium-scale businesses. Those experiences, she says, inform her vision of an inclusive and practical Chamber — one that addresses real business problems while remaining forward-looking and globally connected.
That vision has translated into concrete action. In 2025, ASACCIMA recorded notable milestones with the successful execution of two strategic programmes aimed at strengthening SMEs. The unveiling of the Electricity Act, themed “The Benefits of the New Electricity Act to Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Delta State,” provided clarity on opportunities for affordable and reliable power. Held on 6 November 2025, the event brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector and the energy industry, highlighting how improved electricity supply can reduce costs and boost productivity for businesses.
Barely weeks later, the Chamber organised a Tax Law Sensitisation Programme to prepare entrepreneurs for the new tax regime scheduled to take effect in January 2026. The one-day programme demystified tax obligations, emphasised compliance benefits and offered business owners the opportunity to engage directly with experts. Participants commended the initiative as timely, noting that such enlightenment was crucial in an evolving regulatory environment.
Beyond policy advocacy, Obi Chief Monu-Oduah has consistently drawn attention to the broader business climate in Delta State. While acknowledging challenges such as infrastructure gaps, access to finance and multiple taxation, she remains optimistic about opportunities in agriculture, ICT, creative industries, renewable energy and logistics. According to her, Asaba’s strategic location as a gateway between the South-South and South-East positions it as a natural centre for trade and distribution.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed at the national level. During a working visit to ASACCIMA, the President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jali Ibrahim, praised the rapid progress of the Chamber, describing it as a model for others. He pledged NACCIMA’s support, particularly in facilitating access to single-digit interest loans for MSMEs, strengthening advocacy, and linking chambers to export opportunities through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
Women and youth inclusion remain central pillars of her administration. As a woman in leadership, Obi Chief Monu-Oduah has prioritised access to finance, mentorship and networks for women-owned businesses, while championing innovation hubs and internship linkages for young entrepreneurs. “Inclusivity is not just social justice; it is smart economics,” she often notes.
As she looks ahead, her vision is to reposition ASACCIMA as not only a leading voice in Delta State, but a strong connector between local businesses and global markets. For investors, her message is clear: Delta State is open for business. And for the Chamber she leads, the legacy she seeks is one of empowerment, enterprise and enduring economic impact — proof that when royalty meets competence, development follows.
