he Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Desmond Akawor, has charged the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to rise up to the responsibility of advising the government on effective policies for business development in the state.
Akawor gave the charge at the official unveiling of an office space donated to PHCCIMA by the state government in Port Harcourt.
The PDP chairman, who is also the Sole Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, said PHCCIMA, which comprises the business community in the state, should also tell the government the pulse of the business community concerning government decisions.
According to him, “What is happening here today is a welcome development to our people that PHCCIMA is alive again.
“It’s important that the chamber of commerce advises the government as well and tell it the pulse of businessmen as far as government activities are concerned.”
Akawor stated that there are great business opportunities in the state, and urged the chamber to wake up and harness them.
He said: “In our state today, the opportunities are enormous, and I still believe that we can gain more grounds.
“The Chamber of Commerce should wake up and make those in government do what they need to do for activities to pick up. I want to charge all of us to see that our chamber of commerce grow to that level.”
On his part, the President of PHCCIMA, Mike Elechi, said the donation of the office space to the chamber was an indication that the government is interested in the development of business community in the state.
He said: “This symbolic gesture underscores the collaborative spirit between the public and private sector in fostering an environment where commerce and community development can thrive.
“This house is a testament to the commitment of our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to support and strengthen business community in the state.”
The PHCCIMA president said the office would be a hub for ideas that would bring about partnership for business growth in the state.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, said the government is happy that the business community has been brought under one roof for effective operation.
