The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is now in a celebration mood as its training arm, the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, has been adjudged winner in the area of programmes implementation.

At a ceremony organised by the German High Commission in Nigeria, ACCI’s BEST was awarded a certificate of outstanding innovative partnership by the Giessen Friedberg Chamber of Commerce Industry, Sequa and German Ministry of Economic Cooperation BMZ, for a successful implementation of the German Dual Vocational Training.

Responding to the development, the President of the chamber, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, CON, SAN stated that he was proud of the journey so far made by the centre, noting that he is convinced that more awards and recognitions will come the way of the chamber in the near future.

His words: “This is a welcome development and I know for sure that there are more awards and recognitions ahead of us.

“Today, I feel greatly honoured and fulfilled that the journey which started just a few months ago has produced tangible results for all to see. The Centre has become a shining star among its peers around the West African sub region.

“When I realised the monumental impact that the BEST Centre could create in the lives of youths, the business community, retired and retiring public or private sector workers, I saw an avalanche of opportunities to better the lot of the targeted groups. It was against that backdrop that I endorsed the idea.

“Just 11 months down the line, BEST is performing a very critical role and adding positive value to the country. For this recognition, I see it generally as a sign of better things to come this way.”

On his part, the founder and provost of the Centre, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who was overwhelmed with joy maintained, while appreciating the German authorities in Nigeria, that he was not surprised of getting the recognition.

According to Adesugba who doubles as the Vice President of ACCI responsible for Information Communication Technology (ICT), BEST was formed with a clearly spelt out mission and vision to carry out specialised training activities and we are totally focused on using this as a strategy to create value and add to the development of our economy.

“We had a dream of transformational activities that BEST was going to carry out using the private sector organisation as a catalyst in the task of value creation through human capital development. We went for the best hands that will help us to actualise the BEST mandate and we are proud that in less than a year of our existence, recognitions, commendations and honours are already pouring in.

“As for me, my joy is to give back to the society. And I have fantastic support from a worthy leader in the person of our President, Prince Kayode, who is also passionate about the next generation.

“Considering the massive skill gaps that have made our youths unemployable, BEST has pioneered efforts and taken the giant stride of building a generation that will be employers of labour and not seekers of the same. The first phase of 1000 youths to be trained in 21st Century skills is underway in our Centre. "This program is powered by the German organization, Deutsche Gesselschaf für Internationale Zusammenarbelt (GIZ) in their Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) Program. We are extremely grateful to them.

"The first phase of the #BEST1000 Program include: website design, web administration, photography, digital marketing, ICT support services among others. Other skills will follow in 2019. Today, I am honoured and proud to be associated with this recognition,” Prof. Adesugba maintained.

On her part, the Director of the Centre, Ms Victoria Akai, reiterates the commitment of BEST to continue to deliver quality training to all interested members of the society.

She assured of ensuring that Kore harvests of awards are gathered by the Centre just as she expressed joy for been part of the success story.

“I am overwhelmed with joy by this recognition and even many more that I believe are in the pipeline. We in the team dedicate this worthy recognition to the President of ACCI, Provost of BEST and all my colleagues in the chamber who have contributed immensely in getting us to where we are. It has been a journey of success and I am proud to be linked with it,” she pointed out.

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