Business
‘Give PH Permanent Trade Fair Complex’
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jong Hyun Choi (middle), with members, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) alumni association in Nigeria, at the 2013 alumni seminar and gathering in Abuja, recently.
The Federal and Rivers State Governments have been charged to evolve a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) deal that would ensure the provision of a befitting Trade Fair Complex in Port Harcourt.
The National President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar made the call, recently in Port Harcourt at the opening ceremony of the 9th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, once again, we wish to plead with the federal government to fast track the process of designating and constructing a befitting site under PPP arrangement with the Rivers State Government and Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, and thereafter handover the Trade Fair complex to the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce for proper management of trade promotion activities, as was done for Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex, which is in tandem with global practice,” the NACCIMA president said.
Abubakar commended the growth of the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair over the years, saying it confirms “the enviable position of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce in the Southern part of the country in particular and the nation as a whole.”
According to him, trade fairs and exhibitions are among the widely acceptable business operators, corporate organizations and individuals come together to showcase their products and services, thereby catalyzing rapid economic growth.
He convened the state governor, Chibuike Amaechi for empowering the business community and creating employment in the state through Public Private Partnership.
Abubakar also commended the Port Harcourt Chamber of commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) under the leadership of Engr Emeka Unachukwu for successfully packaging the 2013 Trade Fair with the theme: “Enhancing Entrepreneurial Development for Economic Growth of Rivers State.”
In his speech, the Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Chuma Chinye made a case for the inclusion of Tourism in the name of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).
Chinye, who represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi at the occasion said the move had become necessary since PHCCIMA had also become the chief promoter of tourism in the state.
He commended PHCCIMA for the smooth organization of the trade fair and its support to the economic development programmes of the state government.
The commissioner noted that the issue of multiple taxation was a social problem which the bill seeking harmonization of the taxation in the state, now lying before the state House of Assembly, seeks to address.
He called for the orientation of the youths towards industry and honest hardwork instead of the lure to “honour’ or sudden ill-gotten wealth.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
