Convention Canvasses Good Climate For Business

Deeply worried over the current high rate of economic hardship in Nigeria, participants at a business convention in Onitsha, Anambra State, have called on governments at all levels in the country to create a conducive business climate to enable industrialists boost trade and commerce.

Organized as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Eteleson Group of companies Onitsha, recently, the participants emphasized that the provision of regular power supply, security, good road network, social amenities, among others were critical to stimulate economic growth and provide employment for hundreds of thousands of jobless youths across the nation.

The participants who spoke through the Chairman of the company, Chief Alfred Nworah Etele, expressed optimism that if the issues raised were addressed urgently, more industries would spring up in parts of Nigeria while multi-national companies which relocated to other countries would return to the country.

In his inaugural speech, the group managing director of Eteleson Group of companies, Obinna Etele, indentified high bank interest rate, high import duties, over taxation and absence of already built industrial estates, as some of the major problems facing industrialists in Nigeria and therefore, urged Federal Government to relax some measures in order to reduce their operational cost.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger Diocese, Onitsha, Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Owen Dozie Nwokolo, has said that one way man can demonstrate the purpose for his creation is by lifting a heavy burden on his unknown neighbour and wiping his tears.

Reacting to the widespread flooding which submerged farm lands and rendered thousands of people homeless in some parts of Anambra State and beyond, at a thanksgiving service held at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eteleson Group Onitsha, Bishop Nwokolo, called on Nigerians and multi-nationals within and outside the country to rescue the victims with relief materials such as food items, medicine, clothes and shelter.

Describing the flooding of some farm lands and several homes as a monumental disaster and first of its kind in Nigeria’s history, the clergyman also advised Nigerians to store food items to be used next year and nearest future, predicting that famine would be imminent in 2013, following the destruction of several farm lands in the North, West, South – South and South East parts of the country.

Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, the Bishops of Afikpo, Rt. Rev. Paul Udogu and Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alex Ibezim, as well as cream of the business community from within and outside the country graced the occasion.