By Timeswatch
The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), led by its National President, Chief (Dr.) Solomon Vongfa, undertook a landmark visit to Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The visit that took the apex industrialist and his team to the palace of the paramount ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orunmogege 111, Soun of Ogbomosho, combined national leadership with royal partnership for grassroots empowerment.
The visit which aimed to strengthen synergy between the kingdom and the industrial community of NASSI, coincided with the Celebration of Life of the late Dr. Abraham Lincoln Bello.
In his keynote address, the NASSI’S National President reaffirmed the body’s unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, artisans, and small industries as the foundation for sustainable economic transformation. He emphasized that Nigeria must evolve from being a consuming nation to a producing economy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
> “Our mission is clear,” Chief (Dr.) Vongfa said. ‘Functional Products for Africa and the World — From Nigeria.’
He introduced NASSI’s innovative “Product-Based Vocational Training Initiative”, a model designed to ensure that every training program produces tangible, market-ready products. The President also announced plans for Shared Central Production Centres and Live Production Lines in government technical colleges, merging training with real-time manufacturing to strengthen local productivity.Royal Endorsement by His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomosho
In his royal response, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Òrùnmogégè III, commended NASSI for its practical approach to industrialization, describing the Association’s programs as being in perfect alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Kabiyesi revealed that Ogbomosho now has its own Chamber of Commerce, signaling a renewed drive toward trade expansion and industrial prosperity. He pledged full royal and institutional support for NASSI’s initiatives in Oyo State and across the South-West region.
> “NASSI’s visit is timely and purposeful,” Kabiyesi stated. “You will always find a partner in me and in this palace whenever your noble mission calls.”
A United NASSI Delegation and Regional Appreciation
The visit was attended by a distinguished delegation of NASSI leaders from across the South-West geopolitical zone, including:
Engr. Ogunjide Abraham Adebayo, Chairman, NASSI Oyo State Chapter (Chief Host)
Prince Okedele Timothy A. Olusegun, Chairman, NASSI Osun State Chapter, Deputy Chairman Akin-Ayo Oladimeji accompanied by Adeleke Sodiq Opeyemi and Rafiu Abdulwaheed Abiodun, Proprietor of Olokemeji Radio & Television, Iragbiji, both prominent members of the Osun State delegation
Chief Alakayusufu Lukman Owolabi, Chairman, NASSI Lagos State Chapter, ably represented by Prince Babawale James Okedele, Vice Chairman
Afolabi Akosile, Chairman, NASSI Ekiti State Chapter
Kayode Opesanmi, Chairman, NASSI Ogun State Chapter;
Mr. Sunday Ogunwole,
NASSI Coordinator, Ogbomosho Zone&
Vice Chairman Agriculture – NASSI;
Oluwaseun Akadiri, Chairman, NASSI Ondo State Chapter
Mr. Noah Oladoja (Dr. Fish), National Officer, NASSI Headquarters, AbujaAlso present were the NASSI Vice Chairman (Agriculture) and Coordinator for the Ogbomosho Zone, Mrs. Lydia Anna Peter (Vice Chairman), Mrs. Veronica Oyindamola Pinheiro (Secretary), and other Oyo State Executive Members, all of whom contributed to the success of the event.
On behalf of the Chief Host, Engr. Ogunjide Abraham Adebayo, and all South-West Chairmen of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Prince Okedele Timothy A. Olusegun, Chairman, NASSI Osun State Chapter, Voluntarily Retired Customs Officer, Public Commentator, and MD/CEO, Prince Olusegun Okedele Clean Mining Industries Limited, Iragbiji, Boripe L.G.A., Osun State, expressed profound appreciation to the NASSI National President, Chief (Dr.) Solomon Vongfa, for his visionary leadership and continued support to all regional chapters.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Abraham Lincoln Bello
The visit also honoured the memory of Dr. Abraham Lincoln Bello, the National President’s in-law — a respected educator, mentor, and man of faith who dedicated his life to education, family, and community development.
Born on July 15, 1938, and passing peacefully on August 19, 2025, Dr. Bello’s legacy of integrity, scholarship, and Christian devotion continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
President’s Message to NASSI Members Nationwide;
In his concluding remarks, Chief (Dr.) Solomon Vongfa used the opportunity to remind all NASSI members across the country to ensure the registration of their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
He noted that formal registration remains essential for official recognition and access to financial opportunities provided by both the Federal and State Governments, as well as development partners and financial institutions.
> “Let every member formalize their business,” the President urged. “Proper registration opens doors to funding, partnership, and global relevance.”
