Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has urged businesses in Rivers State and the Niger Delta to place human well-being at the centre of economic activities, describing happiness as the bedrock of sustainable development, peace, and shared prosperity.
Nwoga made the call while delivering a presentation at the United World Congress of Diplomats (UNWCD) Launch, Award, Induction of new members and Inauguration Lecture. The event commemorated the United Nations International Day of Happiness (March 20) under the 2026 theme: “Caring & Sharing.”
She was honoured with a Special Award as Global Diplomat and Special Emissary in recognition of her leadership and contributions.
Citing the newly released *2026 World Happiness Report, Dr. Nwoga noted Nigeria’s ranking slipped to *106th out of 147 countries (from 105th in 2025 and 102nd in 2024), with a life evaluation score of 4.79 — below the global average.
“Despite this ranking, our greatest strength lies in our resilient, warm-hearted, and naturally communal people,” she said. “In Rivers State, the energy capital and proud Garden City, we face urbanisation, environmental pressures, and inequality, yet we have tremendous potential through our vibrant private sector, energetic youth, rich culture, and traditions of neighbourly care.”
She stressed that the theme “Caring & Sharing” aligns with African ubuntu values — “I am because we are” — seen in family support, market women uplifting one another, and mentorship.
Nwoga positioned the private sector as a key driver of happiness: caring businesses offer fair wages, mental health support and dignified workplaces; sharing businesses mentor others, support SMEs and host communities, leading to greater productivity, loyalty and profitability.
Under her leadership, PHCCIMA has promoted these values through initiatives such as:
- Empowering 20 women-led nano and micro businesses with grants and training.
- Strengthening the Women’s Wing and inaugurating the Rivers/Bayelsa Chapter of the Women Chamber of Commerce.
- Capacity-building and mentorship for SMEs and youth.
- Partnerships with the Rivers State Government and media to promote local content and attract investment.
- Hosting the PHCCIMA International Trade Fair.
She invited stakeholders to adopt the PHCCIMA Happiness Pledge, committing to:
- Prioritise employee wellness and inclusive workplaces.
- Dedicate at least 1% of annual profits to community and SME support.
- Adopt sustainable environmental practices.
- Expand mentorship programmes.
- Track happiness alongside financial performance.
Dr. Nwoga envisioned a happier Rivers State where graduates find opportunity, businesses and communities partner equally, and success is measured in both naira and improved lives.
“Happiness grows when we care enough to see pain and share enough to heal it,” she declared. “Let this Day of Happiness mark a new chapter of empathy, generosity and collective joy. Begin today.”
The event, which featured other high-profile personalities, ended with calls for personal commitments, reinforcing PHCCIMA’s role in advancing happiness-led development.
High Chief Emeka Ezekwe, Chairman of Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, member, Richard Okiasi and Acting GM RSTV Amb Paul Damgbor who was also recipient of the Global Diplomat Award were in attendance
