Connect with us

News

PHCCIMA Strengthens Ties With NDDC On SMEs’ Growth, Others

Published

on

It was yet another milestone achievement as the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have strengthened their collaboration on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Scale (SMEs) businesses, trade missions and trade fair participation, among other things.
Speaking at the courtesy call on the Interim Management of NDDC in Port Harcourt, PHCCIMA President, Sir Mike Elechi, explained that PHCCIMA was the recognised leader of organised private sector in Rivers State, and one of the approved four premier Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria under the platform of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce.
He added that the chamber has the only approved international trade fair status, and also hosts the international trade fair, approved by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the region.
According to him, “PHCCIMA’s main objective is to promote growth and development of business activities in a conducive environment in the state and Niger Delta region which could be realistic through partnership with government and private sector organisations to execute our people-oriented programmes and make businesses thrive in the state, hence our visit here today is hinged on the age-long recognition of the chamber to NDDC as an interventionist agency saddled with the responsibility of developing the people of the region”.
Elechi, who is also the CEO of Vintage Farms and Products Ltd, intimated the commission on some identified areas of partnership, including micro, small and medium scale business development, saying that the chamber consist of MSMEs, and SMEs representing all sectors of the national economy.
He said that it was for this reason that it was partnering with NDDC on the above development programme to serve as the needed catalyst in developing viable business ventures across all sectors within the region with huge availability of raw materials for small scale cottage industries in the region.
He maintained that youth entrepreneurship and capacity development programme will help in addressing youth restiveness in the region and mentioned that they had successfully collaborated with the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the past to deliver re-orientation and exhibition programme in Port Harcourt, adding that with their wealth of experience and partnering with NDDC would be focusing on human capital development with emphasis on entrepreneurship development to addressing restiveness and reducing unemployment rate.
The National Productivity award winner also added that trade missions participation is one of the major area they would like collaboration with the NDDC to accommodate and promote wider range of participation of government officials, captains of industry and community leaders to also widen their business horizon, even as he proposed to partner the commission in profiling and recommending qualified members across the region to access low interest and collateral free loan from the NDDC micro-finance bank to boost their various businesses.
Elechi further used the medium to woo the commission to participate on the December 6 to 20th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, which according to him, has become a unique meeting point for Nigerian and foreign businesses policy makers, industrialists, manufacturers, suppliers as well as offering opportunities for investment and trade promotion.
In his response, the Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Effiong Okon Akwa, thanked the PHCCIMA president and his team on their programmes which are targeted at the development of the Niger Delta region.
He maintained that NDDC was a corporate member of PHCCIMA, and has had representative at the chamber’s events in the time past, just as he used the visit to announce the renewal of the NDDC membership commitment as well as desire to participate in the forthcoming Port Harcourt International Trade Fair and exhibitions.
The NDDC boss promised to partner with PHCCIMA in all their request, including youth entrepreneurship and capacity building, trade missions participation and growth of SMEs, positing that SMEs plays important role in the development of the economy, even as he noted that government cannot employ all the labour whereas SMEs are the highest employer of labour to take away the heat from the government.
The event, which took place at the Conference Hall of the NDDC Headquarters, had in attendance the PHCCIMA President, Sir Mike Elechi, the 2nd Deputy President, Hon. Charles Beke; Treasurer, Surveyor Emmanuel Ogbonda; Publicity Secretary, Pastor Uche Onochie; Elected Council member and Chairman of Trade Missions Desk, Mrs. Florence Nwosibe; Chairman, Economic and Commercial Trade Group, Dr. Maraizu Uche; Chairman, Power and Energy Trade Group, Engr. Tony Nwogbo; the Director General, and Mr. Erasmus Chukunda.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

Continue Reading

News

NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

Published

on

The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

Continue Reading

News

Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

on

The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

Published

on

A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

Continue Reading

Trending