BNI launches Gateway Chapter in Abeokuta: sets sight on empowering 2,000 businesses

The Abeokuta region of BNI, the worlds largest and most successful business referral organization, on Saturday April 15, officially launched the Gateway Chapter of the organization in the ancient city of Abeokuta.

The event had in attendance several business leaders and entrepreneurs including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria, Bashorun Adedojoa Adewolu, MFR, FHAN; Rtd Justice Mrs. Yetunde Adwelou; the Chairman of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, Mr. Oladimeji Sonde; the Lead consultant of Anthrop Management Limited, Mrs. Dorcas James; head of the Centre of Skill Acquisition, Madam Temitope Abosede; and a representative of BNI Alpha Chapter, Mr. Jacob Koudoyo

While inaugurating the leadership team of the new chapter, the Executive Director, Dr. Adebola Olubanjo, shared the vision and mission of the new chapter which includes ensuring that each member grows his or her business by as much as N25 million annually, increase employment by as much as 50% and empower upwards of 2,000 SMEs and Entrepreneurs in Ogun State.

BNI, which boasts of 38 years of consecutive business growth, helps businesses grow their clientele and revenue base through the time tested and globally proven model of qualified business referrals and business networking. In the last 12 months alone, members of BNI generated over 12.4 million referrals worth over $20.6 billion in completed businesses. With well over 300,000 members in 80 countries spread over 10,904 chapters, BNI is undeniably the largest business referral organization in the world.

In his speech at the new chapter launch, Bashorun Adedojoa Adewolu, MFR, FHAN, said that Abeokuta and the entire Ogun State is very ripe and well positioned for business leadership in the country. The State today, he said, is the largest manufacturing hub in West Africa, boasts of two of the top four richest men in Africa, has the richest woman in Africa and is just well positioned to connect the south west, south south, south east and the northern parts of the country to one another and to the external market. He enjoined the entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity offered by BNI to spread their tentacles and grow for the benefit of the State and the country at large.

The new chapter came to birth from the dedicated work of the the Director Consultant, Mr. Sayo Oladokun with the support of Bashorun Adedojoa Adewolu, MFR, FHAN. Mr. Oladokun started the task of launching the new chapter in October last year. With the support of well meaning entrepreneurs, including the backing of the Executive Director, Dr. Adebola Olubanjo, the chapter came to birth to give live and integrate Abeokuta into the BNI global family.

The President of the new Gateway Chapter, Chief Mrs. Ronke Daniel, who is also the Chairperson of Ladmok Company Limited, narrated her experience on how BNI helped and connected her with Thai businesses for her rice and fish export business. Another member, Mr. Lucky Eleta, the Vice President of the chapter, narrated how BNI has changed his life in the last three months by connecting him to other businesses, clients and entrepreneurs.

Inaugurating the gateway Chapter, the National Director of BNI Nigeria, Mr. Chimaobi James Agwu, congratulated the members and the new BNI Gateway chapter, urging them to adhere to BNI standards and bring change and progress to the Abeokuta business community. He drew attention to solutions offered by BNI in addressing the challenges facing businesses in the State and Nigeria, emphasizing the need to focus on the spirit of Givers Gain and Positive Attitude, values that overcomes biases and envy, leading to more businesses and mutually beneficial business relationships with others.

Entrepreneurs and business owners who attended the event were overwelmed even as three business referrals were exchanged during the launch with another set of two referrals hanging for some of those in attendance subject to verification and due diligence by the leadership team of BNI Gateway chapter.

After the official launch, eleven entrepreneurs collected and completed the membership application form to become members of the Gateway chapter.