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PHCCIMA Strengthens Ties With NDDC On SMEs’ Growth, Others
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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
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Fubara, Canadian Envoy Synergise On Health Sector Growth, Investment Relations
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has further canvassed the strengthening of the relationship between the State and the Canadian Government in order to attract more investments, promote economic growth while delivering quality healthcare services in the State.
These were part of the focus of the discussion that took place between Governor Fubara and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Christoff, when they met behind closed doors at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Mr Christoff expressed satisfaction with the issues discussed and mutually endorsed, and expressed willingness to ensure their actualisation, separately and collectively to their benefit.
Particularly, Mr Christoff said: “First of all, let me say what an honour and pleasure it is for me to be here in Rivers State. I had a couple of very good meetings here over the last day, including with His Excellency, the Governor.
“We talked about areas where we know there are some rooms for us to, I think, further entrench our relationship. One of the things I’ll be doing while I’m here in Rivers State is to visit the Medical Oxygen facility that Canada provided significant support to, overseen by UNICEF.
“And, just knowing that health is a priority for His Excellency, I want to see for myself the Medical Oxygen Plant at Eleme General Hospital, to better understand how that’s making a tremendous difference here in the State.”
Mr Christoff also said that the discussion extended to the abundant natural resources in Rivers State, which are evidence of how blessed it is as a State much like Canada.
The envoy pointed to how expressively he divulged the determination of his country to explore areas “where we can always look to take a very good situation and raise the bar in terms of how we benefit.
“In our case, as Canada, from natural resources and what it brings to a community. And so, we shared some insights on that particular issue, and of course, there are the people-to-people ties that are growing between Nigeria and Canada that are very important.
“And we look for ways to, maybe, tap into the many Nigerians who have a foot in both countries, to the benefit of both countries. So, it was a very good discussion. I’m very happy to be here.”
Mr Christoff further said: “Well, I would say that in terms of business development, that’s a two-way street. Of course, it’s part of our job, part of my job as Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria to try and unpack the opportunities that reside here for our companies, and I think we’re making great strides in that.
“And so, wherever I go, when I visit, pay visits on governors across the great country of Nigeria, I always look to find the areas where we might bring our companies and the host government to collaborate.
“As I mentioned, the natural resource sector is one such area, and I look forward to further discussions with state governments, and how we might benefit collectively,” he added.
He noted the peaceful and hospitable ambience in the State, stressing that the Canadian government and companies were satisfied with the opportunities that exist in the State, and were tapping into existing policies to further boost mutual collaborations.
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Bill Gates Foundation Highlights Nigeria’s Potential To Transform Agriculture, Health
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has highlighted Nigeria’s potential to significantly increase its agricultural output, which the foundation described as a transformative opportunity for the country.
Mr Bill Gates, Philanthropist and co-chair of the Foundation, said this in Abuja, yesterday, at the 2024 NutriVision, a Pan African dialogue to discuss innovative solutions to combating malnutrition in Africa.
Gates said that with the right investments in agricultural productivity and healthcare, Nigeria could achieve food security and also become a net food exporter, contributing to economic growth and improved public health.
He pointed out the immense potential for Nigeria to more than double its food output, which would be a game-changer for the nation.
He noted that such a shift would alleviate the need to use scarce foreign currency reserves to import food, particularly given the current exchange rate challenges.
“There is the opportunity for Nigeria to more than double its food output, which would be pretty transformative because it would mean that you would be a net food exporter.
“Nigeria could bring in revenue by exporting food, boosting the economy and improving the livelihoods of those in rural and Northern areas,” he said.
The philanthropist emphasised the importance of embracing digital approach and utilising better seeds to spark what he termed “agricultural miracles.”
He explained that improving agricultural productivity was crucial for addressing equity, empowering women, and tackling nutrition issues in Nigeria.
He called for a concerted effort to implement these solutions, which would not only enhance food security but also contribute to broader social and economic development.
Gates also discussed the crucial role of healthcare in Nigeria’s development, noting that the government must prioritise health as part of its broader strategy.
He highlighted the need for Nigeria to increase government funding for health and education, supported by improved tax collection.
“The actual tax collection in Nigeria is pretty low. As citizens develop confidence in well-run programmes, they will support increased funding for essential services, “he said.
He underscored the importance of efficient primary healthcare systems, where resources are allocated wisely, and services are delivered effectively.
“Our foundation’s involved with a lot of the exemplars that are showing the way in terms of making sure the money is spent well.
“We are running a very efficient primary health care system where the employees are doing great work, the centres are where they should be, you do not have underloaded centres or overloaded centres,” he said.
He expressed optimism that these efforts would enhance the credibility of health programmes, encouraging citizens to prioritise and advocate for better funding of primary healthcare.
He stressed the potential for Nigeria to learn from best practices around the world and adapt them to local contexts, thereby driving progress in both agriculture and healthcare.
He painted a hopeful picture of a future where Nigeria could feed itself and also nourish the world by making the right choices and placing people at the centre of these efforts.
The Tide source reports that the BMGF advocates that solutions to Africa’s greatest challenges can come from within Africa.
The foundation, thus, supports African partners whose bold ideas and creative approaches have the potential to save lives, improve health and help families across the continent.
Since the foundation’s inception in 2000, it has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 countries.
It contributes funding and scientific expertise in support of their agenda for change.
These partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.
The foundation has committed more than seven billion dollars through 2026, to support African countries and institutions working to develop and implement innovative approaches to confront hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty.
It works with African governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations and civil society.
The efforts are geared towards improving health outcomes, boosting agricultural productivity, expanding access to digital financial services, and empowering women and other marginalised populations with greater economic opportunities.
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No Directive Was Issued To NNPCL To Increase Petrol Price To N1,000, Says Lokpobiri
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The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that no directive was issued to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to increase petroleum prices to N1,000.
Lokpobiri, in a statement issued, yesterday, by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nnemaka Okafor, said he did not direct the NNPC Ltd. or any other entity within the sector to manipulate prices.
“The Federal Government has been compelled to address the outright falsehood and malicious claims currently circulating on social media.
“We categorically condemn these claims as baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite public discontent.
“We challenge anyone in possession of any evidence-be it written documents, audio, or video recordings-that supports these fabrications to make it public.
“Such a claim is entirely devoid of truth and should be recognised as an intentional effort to mislead the public,” he said.
He explained that the NNPC Ltd. operates as an independent entity under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a fully empowered Board of Directors and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not, and will not interfere in NNPC Ltd.’s internal decisions, including pricing matters.
“Any suggestion otherwise is not only incorrect but also reveals a profound misunderstanding of the deregulated nature of Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” he said.
He advised the public to dismiss these malicious rumors.
“Any claim to the contrary is nothing more than an ill- conceived attempt to sow discord and confusion.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely solely on information from verified and official channels,” he said.
The Tide source reports that as at Tuesday, the NNPC Ltd. Retail Stations adjusted their pump price, selling at N897 as against N617 per litre.
Independent marketers are selling between N930 to N1,000.
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