Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry stimulates Economic Productivity and Growth for Nigeria’s commercial interest-Dr. NGOZI Omambala, Chairperson, Creative & Entertainment Group, LCCI
…’We are aware of the vast potential and important role Entertainment sector plays as a significant revenue resource in contributing to Nigeria’s economy‘
*LCCI Executive Council comprises experienced professionals representing 27 Chambers, over 4000 affiliate corporate members, who are non partisan economic think tank representing private businesses and advocacy body, headed by Gabriel Idahosa FCA President & Chairman
*’LCCI sets up Lagos Tourism Foundation as an acknowledgement of the correlation that exist between Entertainment, Hospitality and Tourist activities’
*’Our Chamber partnered with Pan African 9th Annual Music Fashion Runway to establish a historic cultural heritage, with live music on the background’
*’LCCI 10 day West Africa Flagship event under the theme: ‘Lagos International Fair Trade’ had in excess half a million (500,000) visitors’
*”The Chamber has strong ties with Diplomatic community and open to positive partnerships. LCCI regularly engages with top diplomats with a view to forging mutually beneficial alliances. I was appointed uncontested and sole nominee #LCCI Chairperson, of Creative and Entertainment Group last year, where I embarked on a comprehensive re-launch of my Chamber to position its appeal and relevance specifically to younger demographic”-Dr. NGOZI
*BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
SHE’S VERY DETAILED, PROFESSIONAL, INTELLIGENT AND CREATIVE. Welcome to the world of Dr Ngozi Omambala ACMA, MBA, FIMCN, CMC; Chairperson: Creative and Entertainment Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI & Managing Director/CEO NMO MANAGEMENT LIMITED. In this Exclusive Interview, this amiable, soft-spoken genius talked about her plans to re-position LCCI into higher grounds, great accomplishment of Gabriel Idahosa FCA President & Chairman, LCCI and sundry other issues:
*NAIJA STANDARD: How will you describe the impact of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria’ economy?
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry #LCCI is the well respected voice of the organised Private sector which has 135 year history. It is recognized as the official body through which local opinion on commercial and industrial matters can be presented directly to Government, agencies both national and local. It is frequently consulted by government in advance of the preparation of new legislation affecting the business community.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are those strategic steps taken by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the economic nerve center of the nation?
LCCI has always adopted policy of open engagement with business community to understand its needs and wants, thereby stimulate economic productivity and growth with the Nation’s commercial interest at heart. Specifically through conferences, Summits and Expos even in the creation of ad hoc Committees tailored to address specific or pressing issues-inviting industry stakeholders locally and internationally. Hosting international forums to attract business and economic investment to strengthen the commercial infrastructure and positively contribute to GDP.
The Executive Council is composed of experienced professionals with strong and extensive commercial networks which further support the growth of business private sector. With 27 Chambers including my own in Creative and Entertainment sector and over 4000 affiliate corporate members #LCCI headed by Mr. Gabriel Idahosa FCA President & Chairman Executive Council, is a non partisan economic think tank representing private business as well as an advocacy body for the private business community.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Can you explain some of the initiatives being done by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in helping to promote the entertainment sector?
The #LCCI is wholly aware of the vast potential and important role Entertainment sector plays as a significant revenue resource in contributing to Nigeria’s productivity and growth. Understanding the correlation between Entertainment, hospitality and Tourism has been wholly acknowledged and endorsed by #LCCI under new President Mr. Gabriel Idahosa with set up Lagos Tourism Foundation #LTF as Chairperson Creative and Entertainment I was selectively nominated one of its founding representatives. Our inaugural meeting was held last quarter 2023, proved a unanimous success by stakeholders and major players across the sector in attendance. The Chamber actively involved in engaging creatives through activities: events, workshops, empowerment Seminars, conference to inform and strengthen sector and allow creatives to navigate better within a relatively new business ecosystem.
Only last month the Chamber partnered for second year in succession with Pan African 9th annual Music Fashion Runway an established cultural heritage live music and fashion platform organised by NMO Management, tagged ‘Nigerian’s most influential fashion brand producers’ it empowers young designers from across the Continent to showcase their creative talent and highlights the importance connectivity between cultural, innovative and corporate mix. This year marks its milestone 10 year Anniversary. We look forward to inviting new international stakeholders to engage in this vibrant creative sector.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are some of the major accomplishments of your chamber?
Last year I was appointed uncontested and sole nominee #LCCI Chairperson, of Creative and Entertainment Group. I embarked on a comprehensive re launch of my Chamber to position its appeal and relevance specifically to younger demographic. Nigeria has a population currently in excess 220 million, 70% under thirty years of age, Nigeria has world’s largest youth demographic. Huge and valuable capital resource.
This was successfully achieved, with first in its 37 year history an Entertainment Village created part of #LCCI 10 day West Africa Flagship event ‘Lagos International Fair Trade’ with in excess 500,000 half a million visitors.
*NAIJA STANDARD: How has your chamber been able to re-branding Nigeria in the eyes of the international community?
LCCI has communication channels in existence to facilitate effective engagement with international Community. At Lagos Trade Fair over 200 companies showcased from China alone. At Entertainment Village ‘Africa day’ was celebrated with Executive Council members present and international representatives and international press who came to celebrate with #LCCI President and Executive Council creative cultural heritage, musicians and fashion. A variety of companies participated as vendors at Entertainment Village to showcase their goods services and branded products at the Entertainment Village, which was sponsored by one of Nigeria’s largest insurance companies Royal Exchange reflecting the significance of Creative / Corporate mix.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are some of the challenges facing your chamber?
The Chamber is self funded through membership and corporate support. We are always ready to explore collaborative partnerships to further boost and consolidate on future initiatives and activations which inevitable require resources and support to strengthen the Creative and Entertainment community.
Its a phenomenon most businesses face in the current economic climate my Chamber is no different however, the potential scope of this sector often termed new ‘soft power’ far outweighs short term economic constraints to fulfil its full potential.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Has Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ever partnered the British Council or any other foreign body in empowering Nigerians?
The Chamber has strong ties with Diplomatic community and open to positive partnerships. LCCI regularly engages with top diplomats with a view to forging mutually beneficial alliances. Only recently an Memorandum of Understanding was signed with German Chamber of Commerce to sustainably strengthen local Chambers to improve the competitiveness of SMEs for economic development in Nigeria. This reaffirmed LCCIs dedication to ongoing projects and continued cooperation with German partners and other international collaborators.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Can you take us through your journey into Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and what lasting legacy would you like to be remembered for at the expiration of your tenure?
I relocated from UK to Nigeria 2007 where I was born. I graduated at Leeds Metropolitan University BA(Hons) Social Policy and Administration. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant. Fate took hold whilst waiting for commencement a plump corporate job, to while away the time, I enrolled on a 4 week Music Industry Seminar course which led to internship at London premier Radio Station Kiss FM as assistant to Head of Music and changed my professional trajectory. The rest as they say is history becoming Entertainment Editor for two publication then General Manager of UK Record label. To night club promoter in London’s vibrant club scene attracting A-List celebrities.
Relocating to the Continent, I promoted females in the Music and Entertainment sector to addressing the acute disparity in gender inequality whilst supporting new and emerging talent through established monthly LoudNProudLive brand within the live music space (which has just coincidentally celebrated its thirteenth Anniversary edition) and GBT AUDITIONS – a youth empowerment platform to support upcoming talent. All platforms are still active and have been catalysts for some of our super star artists during the early stages of their careers: Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage Patoranking Tekno, Mr. Eazi, Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade to name and have gone on to dominant global entertainment industry.
Fast forward 2008 I was appointed Head of Marketing in Nigeria for MTV Base Africa overseeing first ever MTV Mama Awards in Abuja 2009 to sold out audience 5000 and watched by 1.1 billion across the Continent the rest as they say is history.
NMO Management Limited now has a portfolio of over 5 brands including recording label – NMO Music Inc.
Receiving UK Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in Leadership and Strategy Management 2021 and successfully completed executive MBA course in Ghana, West Africa a year later were academic milestones. Always an honour to be recognised for one’s endeavours and personal achievements.
I was invited by #LCCI to become a member of the organisation, followed by my subsequent appointment as Group Chairperson thereafter. The rest they say is history without exception fate, luck, hard work my faith were strong drivers in my journey to date.
Legacy building is important to inspire next generation to do better and excel in their skills and talent. I was supported early in my career by someone who simply opened a door. I would like my tenure to facilitate inclusivity and diversity in an environment and landscape that makes it possible to excel to highest levels with equality of opportunity irrespective of gender, tribe religion where all dreams are valid.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Are there other projects Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry working on presently?
Generally the Lagos Chamber is active across all economic sectors only last week LCCI hosted the Economic Outlook and Budget Analysis Conference at HQ Presided by Chief host #LCCI President: Theme: Building Economic Resilience in 2024; Strategies for a Sustainable future,
Speaking with Director General, Budget Office of the Federation Mr. Ben Akabueze on the inclusion of Creative sector in his plans the present administration was poised to working with professional bodies in the creative sector to boost the nation’s GDP.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are your messages from Lagos Chamber of Commerce to millions of Nigerians in the DIASPORA?
The Diaspora is an important contributor to Nigerian economy. Diaspora remittances accounted for $25bn 2023 significant impact on GDP. As a Diasporan myself I would encourage to explore personal investment opportunities and realise your dreams and aspire to your better self in a land that yet to fully reach it’s own full potential. I would encourage business community in Diaspora join The LCCI, membership affords ‘soft landing’ in navigating within a wider network to grow your businesses, crystalise aspirations also meet and engage like minded individuals and organisations. The ‘Japa’ syndrome ‘brain drain’ is real, however it is feasible to still be an active participant of the ‘African dream’ – in helping to build and shape its future development and growth.
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