Dr. Otti, Ogundele, others to speak at the 8th Conference of Nigeria Trade Associations
By Amechi Obiakpu
A high-powered lineup of speakers including Dr. Olubunmi Otti, South-west Zonal Co-ordinator, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and; Timothy Ogundele, Head of Marketing at Checkers Africa Ltd, among others will lead the conversation at the 8th Conference of Nigeria Trade Associations.
Scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, 10 Nurudeen Olowopopo Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 10am.
Organisers, the Institute of Trade Association Management (ITAM) said in a statement that, the conference will bring together leaders and representatives of trade associations, professional bodies, chambers of commerce, business membership organisations, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem.
The theme of the conference is: “Trade Associations as an Economic Powerhouse: Strategies for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable National Development.”
Over the years, CONiTA has remained a foremost gathering of diverse trade associations, providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, institutional development and the pursuit of shared economic prosperity. Its 2026 edition will further strengthen this role by examining how organised associations can contribute more effectively to enterprise growth, economic competitiveness, employment generation and sustainable national development.
The conference will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions and panel discussions, with distinguished professionals and industry leaders sharing perspectives on the evolving role of trade associations in Nigeria’s economic development.
According to the organisers, Dr. Olubunmi Otti will lead a list of professionals that will deliver the keynote address. The rest are, Taiwo Abiose, Director of Entrepreneurship, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment; Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) and, Dr. Nelson Obine, CEO, Institute of Trade Association Management.
A distinguished list of guests speakers are also expected to bring their experience to bear in their presentation. They include
The conference will also feature a distinguished group of guest speakers drawn from the entrepreneurship, financial services, artisan and recycling sectors. They include: Roseline Anibueze, Managing Director/CEO, Cool Microfinance Bank Limited and Founder, Roseline Ada Foundation; Ukperor Jerry, CEO, Fifty-Fifty and member Recyclings Association of Carton and Wastes Recycling Dealers of Nigeria (ACWRED); Engr. Lawrence Ajayi, President, Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) and Timothy Ogundele, Head of Marketing, Checkers Africa Limited.
Dr. Obine, CEO of ITAM and co-convener of the Conference said “Nigeria cannot fully harness the potential of its private sector without building strong, professionally managed and economically empowered trade associations.
Their participation is expected to enrich discussions on the practical challenges and opportunities facing organised businesses, particularly the contribution of associations to policy engagement, member development, entrepreneurship, market access, productivity and sustainable business practices.
A central focus of CONiTA 2026 will be the need to reposition trade associations beyond their traditional roles as membership and advocacy organisations towards becoming stronger institutions capable of driving economic activity, supporting enterprise development, facilitating government-private sector engagement and contributing to national policy conversations.
The conference, the Institute of Trade Association Management noted that will provide an important opportunity for stakeholders to examine the capacity of trade associations to influence economic outcomes and strengthen their contribution to national development.
With its combination of keynote presentations, plenary engagement and panel discussions, CONiTA 2026 is positioned to foster practical conversations and stronger partnerships among association leaders, government institutions, regulators and the organised private sector.
Do you have a compelling story to tell? Contact us via our email: espinewsng@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp on 08032519246.
