The Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Amb. Desmond Akawor has inaugurated the new Secretariat of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and congratulated Eze Sir Mike Elechi led Administration on the successes achieved.
The PHCCIMA new Secretariat located at Waterlines House in the City of Port Harcourt renovated and donated to the Chamber by the Rivers State government is now open for business activities, Akawor said, and described the Chamber of Commerce as a major stakeholder in the development of any city just as he wished that the event was the ground breaking of PHCCIMA Secretariat at its permanent site at the new Port Harcourt Greater City Development Authority, adding that the proximity of the proposed Permanent site with that of Port Harcourt International Air Port will give the state another beautiful colouration when achieved.
Akawor who was the Chairman of the occasion recalled his journey in attempting to become a member of Korea International Chamber of Commerce and his previous activities around the Trans-Amadi area, the business hub in Port Harcourt as widely acclaimed, adding that he has had dealings with the business people and have the urge for business development hence will do everything possible within his reach to encourage business growth in Rivers State.
He maintained that naturally PHCCIMA ought to play business advisory role to the state government to succeed hence his assurance to the President and his team of government commitment and support for business activities to thrive in the state.
Also Speaking, the Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Maurice Ogolo commended Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce for it’s partnership and promotion of the Rivers State government policies and programmes with reference to the database collation and registration of small scale businesses (SMEs & MSMEs) with the view to access interest free loans.
He added that the Gov. Sim Fubara led Administration places huge interests in his transformation agenda in returning lost glory of the state being an industrial hub of the country, hence the need for more synergy with the private sector to boost the economy of the state.
Earlier in his address, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) Eze, Sir, Mike Elechi, NPOM, JP, FNIM, DSSRS expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS for the donation of the edifice for the use of the Chamber under his watch, adding that the symbolic gesture underscores the collaborative spirit between public and private sector, fostering an environment where commerce and Community development can thrive.
The Chamber President noted that the donation was a testament to the commitment of the young government to support and strengthen the business community, positing that it has provided a physical space where ideas can flourish, partnership can be forged and seed of economic progress can be sown.
“as we emback on this new chapter from today within these walls, let us remember that this space is not just for the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce alone but for the entire business community. It is a hub where innovation meets opportunity, and where collaboration can lead to prosperity of all, join me as I extend our deepest gratitude to the government of Rivers State ably led by His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS for the foresight and commitment to fostering economic growth”.
In their separate solidarity speeches, the past Presidents of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Elder Dr. Hyke Ochia, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa and Prince Dr. Sotubo, Billy Gillis-Harry recalled their successful contributions to the Chamber movement and commended the Eze, Sir Mike Elechi’s led Administration on the mile stone achievements and thanked the state government for the release of the edifice for the use of the chamber.
In their separate Goodwill massages, the Chamber partners and heads of federal government agencies in Rivers State particularly, the Immigration Service, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) NAFDAC etc expressed satisfaction with the leadership style of Eze Sir Mike Elechi and promised to bring their wealth of experience for the development of state.
Highlights of the event were the unveiling, cutting of the cake, facility tour of the edifice and presentation of souvenirs to the Royal Father of the day, HRM, Eze, Barr. Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu, JP, DSSRS, Eze Epara Rebisi, XII, the Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt, the Representative of SSG, Mr. Maurice Ogolo and the Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador, Engr. Desmond Akawor as shown in the above pictures gallery.
