MAN Wants Rivers Involvement In Industrial Sector

The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria  (MAN) has called for active involvement of Rivers people in the manufacturing sector, describing the sector as the back bone of industrialisation of any nation. The first Vice President of the Rivers/Bayelsa branch of the Association, Hon. Charles Beke, who said this during a courtesy call by some executive members of the association on the management of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in Port Harcourt, also decried the low level of involvement of Rivers people in the sector.

Hon. Beke who was a former Commissioner for Commerce, Industry/ Tourism in Rivers State, stressed the need for government to put in place incentives that will encourage the establishment of cottage industries in the state.

He blamed the on-going relocation of industries from the state on youth restiveness and unfriendly business environment, which includes; multiple taxation, poor power supply and poor infrastructural development.

Hon. Beke said that the courtesy call was part of activities marking the 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association.

According to him, the meeting, which has as its theme:” “sustaining investment in Rivers State” will provide opportunity for participants to x-ray the problem of investment in Rivers State with Engineer Ajayi as guest lecturer.

Also, the AGM will look at the issue of job creation for youths in the state and urged for partnership with media organizations in the state.

Responding, the General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Celestine Ogolo who thanked the association for the visit however, said that the present administration in Rivers State is already addressing the issue of unfriendly investment climate in the state, through the harmonization of taxes, while infrastructures are being provided.

The General Manager described the theme of the meeting as very appropriate and reiterated the corporation’s readiness to partner with MAN in the area of publicity.

Peace Anaele