RSG Assures Private Sector Of Support

The Rivers State Government has once more reiterated its resolve to partner and support organised private sector, which is key in driving the economy, to operate in a conducive environment in the state.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike made the declaration while declaring open the 1st PH Agricultural Conference and Afro Allied Products Exhibition in Port Harcourt.
The governor, who said that the theme, “Unlocking the Economic Potential of Rivers State through Agriculture”, was apt, expressed the need for a paradigm shift from oil-based economy to one that is sustainable.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Rivers State governor, said that the government was consciously working to eradicate all forms of double taxation in the state but warned that the government would not hesitate to deal with business outfits that try to evade taxation in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of PHACCIMA, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, said it was time Nigeria took the issue of diversification seriously instead killing agriculture and solid minerals for crude oil.
He appealed that the abundant crude oil should never again be exported in its raw form but refined into diverse forms of petrochemical products.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of NACCIMA, Iyalode Alabama Lawson, who commended the development strides of the state government, said that agriculture can aggressively grow the economy.
She called on the government to encourage farming by procuring farm implements and giving same to farmers, especially women, at very subsidised rates.
Some other dignitaries at the event included the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Charles Iheanyi Nwaorgu, represented by Maurice Ogolo, Chairman, state House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Chisom Dike, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet, Sir Chidi Adiele, among others.
The event featured lectures and exhibition of agro-based products.