News
PHCCIMA Working To Create Business Opportunities – President
The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) Dr Emi Membere Otaji says that the chamber is working on models that would create value and opportunities for businesses.
Membere-Otaji gave the assurance at the 2017 first quarter meeting of PHCCIMA in Port Harcourt recently.
The 2017 first quarter meeting held at the Chamber of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce attracted key stakeholders and left glowing indications that the President and his executives are paying attention to models that will create value and opportunities for businesses.
He said in is opening remarks at the meeting that his administration will continue to outline new paradigms that would on members’ businesses and the state economy, adding that the chamber will consolidate on existing paths that will add value and set better precedence. He enjoined members to always take advantage of the PHCCIMA secretariat to acquaint themselves with useful information that will drive their businesses.
The forum attracted key resource personalities from diverse organizations who interfaced with the business community and member companies and made insightful presentations.
In the first presentation, Sir Innocent Iyalla Harry, former Managing Director/CEO, Rivers state Micro Finance Agency (RIMA), and now Chairman Dilann International Ltd spoke on the topic: “Finance And Investment Opportunities For msme’s” with reference to a recessed economy.
According to him, “we all need to ultimately promote entrepreneurial culture in our youths, through initiatives that build business confidence, positive attitude, pride in hard work for success, support and encourage new ideas, social responsibility, encourage inter-firm synergies and most importantly promote research and development”.
These according to him, are the threads needed to sew the fabric of the nation through entrepreneurship to harness efforts so far made. In his words “clearly our salvation from recession lies in the productive sector and the enhancement of funding and investment in MSME’s”.
In his presentation Mr. Samuel Ekpuk, a banker and one time General Manager Credit, Sterling Bank PLC but now MD/CEO Green Associates Limited, made revelations on strategies to cope with market dynamics.
These, he said include rationalisation of business focus, cash conversion cycle based on product lines; investment in renewable energy; refinancing all expensive credit lines and restructuring finances.
Others include bringing down loan obligations by paying down all non critical loans; seeking new partnerships and investment in import substitution; Private equity; Seeking local sources of inputs; taking advantage of all government incentive schemes; Pioneer status, special economic zones, duty drawback and duty waivers.
The theme of his presentation was “Business Outlook In 20017 – Coping With Market Dynamics”
The first quarter general forum also witnessed presentations by the Rivers state Signage and Advertisement Agency (RISAA), which gave insights and eye opening presentations on RISAA regulation and mode of operation.
The management of RISAA requested for collaboration with PHCCIMA to form a synergy that will ensure that member companies are only confronted legally and with spelt out regulations that are statutory to RISAA.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Opinion13 hours ago184 Days of the Locust in Rivers State
-
News12 hours agoFG moves to avert fuel supply crisis, promises stability
-
City Crime13 hours agoIndustry Braces For Glut And Investor Demands
-
News12 hours ago“PenCom Raises Capital Requirement For PFAs To N20b …Sets December 2026 Deadline
-
Sports13 hours agoEzeji Urge NFF To Investigate Igenewari George’s death
-
Niger Delta13 hours ago
D’Gov Hails Amananaowei-Elect, Ogboloma Chiefs Council …Wants Accountability, Transparency In Traditional Administration
-
Sports13 hours agoGroup Plan To Discover Africa next football stars
-
News12 hours agoMake in Nigeria conferences and Exhibitions; PHCCIMA, others laud organisers for boosting SMES