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PHCCIMA Inducts New Members, Unveils Investors Compendium
The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) has again inducted another set of new members into the organisation as well as unveiled a compendium of the activities of the chamber since its incorporation and Rivers State Investor’s Guide.
In his speech, President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Sir Mike Elechi, expressed satisfaction that his vision of running an all-inclusive administration was yielding positive results, as the monthly general forum of the chamber has continued to gather momentum, saying that the forum gives members opportunities to interface with one another, exchange business ideas and make new friends while networking.
The chamber president, who is the managing director of Vintage Farms and Product, said that August in retrospect was loaded with so many activities, including the well-attended ‘POWER-TO-POWER’ business summit that was held at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt where major stakeholders and eminent personalities from all walks of live participated in the event.
He used the medium to commend the Chairman of Power and Energy Trade Group of the chamber, Engr. Tony Nwogbo-led committee for the success of the event, adding that within the month under review, the chamber acquired a new 30KVA Generator to power its operations, and also received a high-powered delegation led by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Stanislas Kamanzi, where robust business ideas were discussed and the chamber secured an opportunity to lead a delegation of 50 members on a trade mission to Rwanda.
In his induction speech, Elechi charged the new members to see their induction as not only an opportunity to widen the scope of their businesses but also make contributions by attracting investors for the even development of Rivers State, adding that the copy of the compendium which chronicled activities of the chamber would serve as a guide to anyone doing business and those wishing to do business in Rivers State.
Speaking on the topic; ‘the role of non-oil Export in Economic Development in the South-South region, the Regional Coordinator of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Joe Itah, called for diversification into the non-oil export sector to save the country from imminent collapse, saying that Nigeria as a country was naturally blessed with abundant potentials apart from the crude oil and gas.
He expressed the hope that talking with PHCCIMA which was the leader of the organised private sector in Rivers State remained the best opportunity for the required attention.
He maintained that NEPC was constitutionally empowered with the responsibilities of coordinating, regulating and encouraging business owners to register their businesses and export their products to earn the much needed foreign exchange.
The NEPC regional coordinator further hinted that their organisation has assisted some small scale business owners that were affected during the COVID-19 era to return to business.
Highpoint of the August members’ monthly general forum at the chamber’s Secretariat, Aba Road in Port Harcourt, was the unveiling and lunching of the PHCCIMA’s compendium.
Other key members of the chamber in attendance were the Exco members who presented membership certificates to the newly inducted members in turns, the 2nd Deputy President, Hon. Prince Charles Osimibeke; Treasurer, Surveyor Emmanuel Ogbonda; Financial Secretary, Sir Dan Harrison;and Members Welfare Secretary, Engr. Godwin Etim.
Past President, Engr. EmekaUnachukwu, performed the swearing in of the new members and presented the chamber plaque of recognition to the NEPC Regional Coordinator Mr. Joe Itah.
The Director of Commerce and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Emmanuel Nwankwo, also took his turn to present membership certificate to new member.
Others present at the event were Director and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Collins Nathaniel;state Coordinator of Nigerian Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Mrs.ObyAgbam; South-South Regional Coordinator, Nigerian Shippers Council, Chief Glory Onojedo;elected council members, Mr.OkeyOdu; and Chief EmekaEzekwe; various trade group chairmen; former publicity secretaries of the chamber, PastorOluwatoyinAlabiof The Promise Fast Foods; and Dr. Mercy Abu; as well as distinguished members, guests, pressmen, the Director General,Mr. Erasmus Chukunda; and staff of the chamber.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
