ABEOKUTA–The executives and members of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), NACCIMA Business Women Group (NAWORG) and other Chamber of Commerce groups have paid a glowing tributes to the late Chief Iyalode Alaba Lawson.
Led by it’s President, Dele Oye and other executives of it’s affiliate groups to the residence of the late former President of NACCIMA in Abeokuta, they described the late Iyalode as an epitome pioneering in the chambers of commerce movement.
Oye further stated that Iyalode’s highest achievements, apart from her love for school, was mainly in the development of commerce and industry in Nigeria, adding that her pioneering work in working with youths and women are second to none.
“She created many firsts even within NACCIMA, apart from the positions she held. She set up what we call now NACCIMA Women’s Business Group, which was the first gathering of women within NACCIMA.
“We are in every chambers today now. We have Women’s Chamber of Commerce in every of our 70 chambers all over the country.
“She also pioneered what we call the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, to give opportunity to young persons so that we can mentor them as they grow in business.
“And as President, it’s the most painful for all the efforts she made to make me President. And I’m just barely three months into the office. I’ve not had the opportunity to really show her my appreciation by the way I would serve the association.
Also speaking, the Ogun state cordinator of NAWORG, Cynthia Saka eulogies Iyalode’s attribute to include her push to encourage the women folks to take up challenges.
“At times, she will take us out of the country, we won’t pay for tickets. She will take care of the tickets and take care of all that we are going to use there. She has really done a lot. It’s a great loss. It’s a great loss to the chamber movement.
“And we pray that God Almighty will give her eternal rest”, she added
In his remarks, Engr. Segun Bolaji, the National Cordinator of NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs described the late Iyalode Alaba Lawson as a rare gem, who found, groomed and tutored the youths in the chambers of commerce across the country.
“It was during the tenure of Iyalode Alaba Lawson that NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, the platform that we are using right now, was founded. She founded the group.
“And I can tell you that Mama will go all out to bring values and opportunities for the members of the group. Myself, as a typical example, Mama nominated me to undergo a training called Quality Management System through UNIDO, a training that we are meant to pay over $3,000 to $4,000.
“And that was what showcased my company to the entire world. I can mention a couple of my members.
“We can never forget her. I doubt if there’s anybody that will be able to fill up that vacuum Mama has left in the chambers movement. She’ll be sorely missed.
Responding, Akinola Lawson, the son of Iyalode Alaba Lawson, appreciated the groups for showing condolence to the family, while paying glowing tributes to Iyalode.
He described Iyalode as a force of nature whose time on earth was positively channeled towards helping others.
“My aunt described her sometime ago as a force of nature and that was how she was created. We thank God that she did not use the force negatively but she used it positively to impact other people and we are grateful for that
“On behalf of the entire family i want to say a very big thank you and may the almighty God bless you and may he grant your peace beyond all human understanding”, he prayed
Others are the condolence visit includes, Alhaji Abiola Ogundeko, 2nd Deputy President, RECCIMA and Pioneer National Cordinator for Youth, Mrs Ngozi Modebelu, Cordinator, NAWORG Lagos, Mrs Stella Akande, Former Coordinator, Lagos and Chief Wole Akinwande, President, ODUACCIMA
Others are Prince Kayode Adeyemi, Immediate Past President, ODUACCIMA, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, the 1st Deputy President, OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, the immediate Past President, OGUNCCIMA, Otunba A. Babs Adesanya, President, ABEOCCIMA, Pastor Ibrahim Bada, 2nd Deputy President, ABEOCCIMA and Otunba Wasiu Taiwo, CEO, Continental Suites & Wessy Creations, President, YECCIMA amongst others
