Rivers

Positive Vision Outcome Excites PHCCIMA President

Published

3 years ago

September 5, 2022

The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Eze Mike Elechi, has expressed joy over the positive outcome of his all inclusive administration vision for the organisation.
Elechi said this during the induction of new members of PHCCIMA and the unveiling of the compendium of the activities of the Chamber since its incorporation into the Rivers State Investors’ Guilde in Port Harcourt recently.
According to him, his plan, for running an all inclusive administration was yielding positive results due to positive outcome of the monthly general forum of the Chamber.
Elechi, pointed out that the forum under his control, gave members opportunities to interface with one another, exchange business ideas and as well, make new friends while networking.
The PHCCIMA President who also is the Managing Director of Vintage Farms and Products, Elele posited that August in retrospect was loaded with so many activities including the well attended ‘Power-To-Power’ business summit that just ended in Port Harcourt.
He also used the medium to commend the Chairman of Power and Energy Trade Group of the Chamber, Engr. Tony Nwogbo and his committee for the success of that event.
The former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, further revealed within last month, the Chamber acquired a new 30KVA Generating set to power its operations and enhance work efficiency.
“We also received a high powered delegation led by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, 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”, he said.
Meanwhile, he has charged the new members to see their induction as not only an opportunity to widened the scope of their businesses, but also make contributions by attracting investors for the even development of Rivers State.
He added that the copy of the compendium which chronicled activities of the Chamber will serve as a guide to anyone doing business and intending business operators who may want to pitch their tents in Port Harcourt.
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 in order to save the country from imminent collapse.
Itah noted that Nigeria as a country is naturally blessed with abundant potentials apart from the crude oil and gas.
He however, expressed hope that talking with PHCCIMA which he described as the leader of the organize private sector in Rivers State remained the best opportunity for the required attention.
He explained that NEPC is constitutionally empowered with the responsibilities of coordinating, regulating and encouraging business owners to register their businesses and export their products so as to enable them earn the much needed foreign exchange.
The NEPC regional coordinator, also hinted that their organization has assisted some Small Scale business owners that were affected during the Covid-19 era to return to business.
Giving hint on the untapped business opportunities in Rivers State, the Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic party(SDP), Senator Magnus Ngei Abe who was at the Chamber members forum at the instance of his Deputy, Chief Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, said that Rivers State has all it takes to replicate the Arri-Arria market in Aba, Abia State where millions of Rivers youths could have opportunities to either learn trade or get themselves gainfully employed.
Abe who expressed regrets that the dilapidated state of Ogoni axis of East West road has driven out a lot of companies out of the State and added that the state will continue to lead in business activities.
High point of the Chamber August members monthly general forum held on Wednesday 31st day of August, 2022 at the Chamber’s Secretariat Aba road in Port Harcourt was the unveiling and lunching of the PHCCIMA’s compendium.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Fasthire, PHCCIMA, CIPM Host CareerFest 2026 In PH

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Fasthire Services, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Rivers State Chapter, is set to organise a two-day career development and job creation event in Port Harcourt, from February 27-28, 2026.

The event, known as “Fasthire CareerFest 2026”, is expected to attract over 1,000 job opportunities, with employers actively recruiting across various sectors.

CareerFest 2026 is designed to be a high-impact platform that goes beyond a traditional job fair, and will also feature career exhibitions and professional guidance sessions, aimed at helping participants navigate career pathways, professional development, and long-term career planning.

There will be virtual sessions and industry conversations on February 27, and physical conference and job fair in Port Harcourt on February 28.

The hybrid event will feature three core components career and Industry Conference – keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats with HR leaders, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts.

The organisers said CareerFest 2026 is open to students, fresh graduates, job seekers, professionals, recruiters, business leaders, and anyone seeking career clarity, growth, or new opportunities.

They called on members of the public, employers who have vacancies and want to recruit, and professionals to register and participate in what is positioned as one of the most impactful career and employment-focused events in the South-South region.

The vision for CareerFest was originally conceived by Fasthire Services and has since received strong buy-in and strategic support from PHCCIMA and CIPM Rivers, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.

Other strategic partners supporting the event include NTA, 3MTT, Google Developer Group (GDG) Port Harcourt, SMFest, and other companies and organisations that are committed to skills development, innovation, and employment creation.

With strong institutional backing, a clear employment focus, and a growing network of partners, Fasthire CareerFest 2026 is positioned to play a meaningful role in shaping careers, strengthening the workforce, and driving inclusive economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.

Rivers

Police Raise Alarm Over Rise In Officers’ Impersonation

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing rise in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting members of the public across the state.

The Command described the trend as a serious threat to public safety and trust, urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

In a press release by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, the Police said the suspects allegedly operate by dressing in black outfits and posing as law enforcement officers while setting up illegal checkpoints to harass and intimidate unsuspecting citizens.

According to the release, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, also expressed concern over the development and assured the public that decisive steps have been taken to curb the menace.

He said a robust monitoring and intelligence mechanism has been activated to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.

Police authorities noted that the actions of these impostors not only amount to extortion and impersonation, but also undermine the credibility of legitimate security operations within the state.

The Command warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The statement further clarified that no police officer or security agent has the legal authority to stop citizens on the road or at checkpoints to search their mobile phones, laptops or other personal electronic devices.

Such actions, the Police said, are unlawful and should be resisted through proper reporting channels.

Residents were also cautioned against complying with demands to accompany any individual to a Point of Sale (POS) operator, bank or other financial outlet for the purpose of withdrawing or transferring money, as this is a common tactic employed by the criminals.

The Police Command also called on members of the public to be alert and to take note of their surroundings, especially when confronted by suspicious persons or hostile checkpoints that do not follow established policing procedures.

To strengthen community participation in tackling the problem, the Command provided several emergency contact numbers for immediate reporting of suspicious activities.

The numbers include the Complaint Response Unit hotlines: 07057605256, 08120822987 and 09035774814.

Additional contact lines include the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818 and the Command’s Control Room on 08032003514, all of which are available for prompt response to distress calls.

Security analysts have observed that impersonation of law enforcement officers has become a recurring challenge in urban centres, often thriving where public awareness is low.

They stress that timely reporting by citizens is critical in dismantling such criminal networks.

The State Police Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.

It also appealed to the public to continue supporting legitimate police operations with credible information.

The statement further emphasized that cooperation between the Police and the public remains essential to ensuring a safe and secure Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso