A total of 75 firms joined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) last Wednesday in a first virtual induction ceremony.
The event, which lasted for about 30 minutes, had some council members of the LCCI in attendance as well as representatives of the newly inducted companies. It shows that the 132-year-old business organisation is leveraging technology as Covid-19 pandemic continues to change business and life globally.
“As we formally accept your organisation into the Lagos Chamber community today, I wish to underline the commitment of the Lagos Chamber to the cherished tradition of high ethical standards, integrity and good corporate governance in business practice,” Toki Mabogunje, president of the LCCI, said in a presentation.
She said as businessmen and women, the inductees had obligations which transcended profit making.
She urged them to pay adequate attention to the integrity of their business transactions and practices, stressing the need to be committed to the ideals of high ethical standards and responsible corporate citizenships.
“Indeed, the chamber has a code of business ethics to which all members are to subscribe,” she said.
Mabogunje added that the chamber had come a long way to build its highly reputable profile and credibility through the vision, selfless services and integrity of its illustrious founding fathers and their worthy successors, urging the newly-inducted firms to keep the flag flying.
“It therefore behoves us as inheritors of this goodwill and enduring legacy to keep the flag flying always. I enjoin you to participate actively in the chamber’s activities. This will position your businesses to enjoy the tremendous benefits of membership of the chamber.”
Mabogunje said each time the chamber had new members, the voice of the private sector would get louder.
Mojisola Bakare, chairman, membership and welfare committee, said as members of the LCCI, the inductees were ambassadors of the chamber and inheritors of an enduring legacy handed down from generation to generation.
She said it was imperative for them to be guided by the chamber’s governance framework.
“The governance framework ensures that the chamber represents the broad interests of its membership and can be held accountable by members. The chamber adopts the principles of fairness in its governance, selection of its officers and the execution of its programmes and activities. The leadership selection and decision-making processes are transparent, fair and equitable to all members,” she said.
She explained that it was their right to obtain relevant and material information on the chamber in a timely and regular basis while participating and voting in general meetings.
“One of the strategic imperatives of the LCCI is its policy advocacy programmes. The chamber initiates policy conversations and takes positions on issues from time-to-time. We have 24 sectoral groups and relevant service committees to help drive advocacy activities,” she further said.
