News
Take Advantage Of Opportunities, Elechi Urges PHCCIMA Members
The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Sir Mike Elechi, has urged members of the association to tap into the advantage of what his administration has put on their table.
He gave the advice while addressing PHCCIMA members during the general monthly forum at its Secretariat in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
He said, “it is our promise to add value to the chamber and to ensure that you derive benefits out of your annual dues, and part of it is the consistent monthly general forum. As business men, whatever we do without marketing our produce to each other, we have done nothing. So, I felt that we should start trading within ourselves on our various products and services and translate it to our next door neighbour.
“In the monthly gathering, we share complementary cards and reach out to one another, we’ve designed the gathering in a way that each of the meeting day, we bring one or two organisations to talk to us on relevant topics as it affect our businesses and we have kept fate to that”, he added.
Elechi, who is the chairman and chief executive officer of Vintage Farms and Products Ltd, frowned at members who deliberately absent themselves from the monthly gathering, which according to him; do not tell good of their association in the eyes of their guest speakers who have clamoured to meet them in their numbers.
He, therefore, appealed to members to try and tap on the opportunities before them.
In his keynote presentation, the Regional Manager, Trustfund Pensions Ltd, Dr. Omaka Omaka, who spoke on “Various Subjects on the Contributory Pension Scheme”, encouraged corporate organisations on the advantage of partnership with the Trustfund Pensions Ltd as any contribution made keep appreciating over time.
He advised business owners, particularly those at the informal sector, to involve themselves in microfinance fund and enrol their staff in pension scheme, which were in stages with the essence of getting fund at the retirement age, adding that it was a motivational approach for their staff to turn in their best, and a criminal offence to withhold pension deductions.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Deputy Director in charge of SMEs, Mr. Patrick Igbo, also spoke on the topic, ‘Rivers Cares’, advised business owners to take advantage of the national domesticated programme tagged, RivCares, an intervention programme put together by the Federal/State Governments and World Bank to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained the processes valid members of PHCCIMA would go about registering online, cautioning that there was no agent appointed for the programme, which according to him, would end on July 13, 2022.
In another keynote presentation on “How to Make Your Business Succeed In These Tough Times”, the Managing Director of Primeport Logistics Ltd, Otunba Femi Adewunmi, advised business organisations to consider their fundamentals when growing their businesses to be able to stand strong in tough times.
In an interview with journalists after the meeting, the Managing Director of Primeport Logistics Limited, Otunba Femi Adewunmi, explained that whereever problems exit, there was always an opportunity, adding that as business owners, one needs to calibrate and get prepared for an eventuality.
The clearing and forwarding expert also gave reason why the Eastern Ports were not making much progress against that of Lagos.
He said, “The truth is that we are not uptimising the limited things we have in the region.There is no structure on ground at the Eastern Ports, and that is what the Primeport is putting in place”.
Other executive and council members present at the forum include the 2nd Deputy President, Hon. Prince Charles Beke; Treasurer, Surveyor Emmanuel Ogbonda; Publicity Secretary, Pastor Uche Onochie; PHCCIMA HLVP and SESSCCIMA President, Dr. Hyke Ochia.
The rest includeelected council members: Barrister Innocent Amah, Chief Emeka Ezekwe, Mrs. Florence Nwosibe, who also is the chairman of Trade Missions Desk, Trade Group Chairmen and distinguished members, other guests, pressmen and the Director General, Mr. Erasmus Chukunda.
The July Members’ General Forum was sponsored by the Chamber Members’ Welfare Secretary and Managing Director of Goddie Chemicals International Company Ltd, Engr. Godwin Etim, and Trustfund Pensions Ltd.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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