The Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and the Calabar Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA) have announced a new partnership to restore Calabar to its former position as a leading commercial center in the region. This collaboration, initiated by a working visit from CALCCIMA’s newly elected executive council, marks a significant step towards boosting the state’s economy.
CALCCIMA President Kelly Ayamba, FCA, a former state Commissioner for Finance, emphasized the organizations’ shared commitment to economic development. He pledged CALCCIMA’s full support for MEDA’s initiatives aimed at revitalizing Calabar’s commercial sector. Mr. Ayamba highlighted Calabar’s historical significance as a major commercial hub in Nigeria.
MEDA’s Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Great Ogban, congratulated the new CALCCIMA executive and expressed MEDA’s eagerness to collaborate on transforming the state’s commercial landscape. He noted the partnership’s timely alignment with MEDA’s MSME data mapping project and proposed monthly sector-driven stakeholder engagements, beginning with the tourism and hospitality sector. Mr. Ogban praised CALCCIMA’s strategic approach, which strongly complements MEDA’s objectives.
Established in 1942 as Nigeria’s second chamber of commerce, CALCCIMA is a vital business membership organization supporting Cross River businesses. The meeting was attended by MEDA’s management team and CALCCIMA’s leadership, including Patrick Ugbe (Deputy President), Liyel Imoukhuede (Vice President, Business Development and SMEs), Justina Ovat (Vice President, Tourism and Hospitality), Christabel Agara (Vice President, Manufacturing and Industry), Christabel Ndubuisi (Vice President, Agriculture and Agro Allied Services), and Kenneth Asim Itta (Executive Secretary).
