BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME
WARRI: Delta state Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, DACCIMA, has urged the federal government to reopen the Warri Port, saying it would help reduce challenges of unemployment in the Niger Delta and resolve the problem of militancy.
Making the appeal in Warri while honouring some prominent business men in the state for their role in sustaining the economy of the state , the state Chairman of DACCIMA, Chief Emma Avworo said the federal government should come up with policies to encourage growth of the private sector, stressing that the sector had been a major player in keeping the economy alive. “We recognise the contribution of our sons, we know the economy has been very bad in the last few years.
We are recognizing these business men today for being able to withstand the economic challenges We are also honouring them for creating employment. Despite the lull in the economy of Warri, most of the employment in Warri today is from the private sector. Our challenge is that of the federal government that is suppose to provide the enabling environment ,, is not helping so much. I want to start with the Warri Port, if this Port was opened you can imagine how many persons will be employed there. We depend on Lagos for importation. This is why we are honouring our businessmen today for being able to survive this year.
We are also honouring them for creating employment. Despite the lull in the econmy of warri, most of the employment in Warri today is from the private sector. Our challenge is that of the government that is suppose to provide the enabling enfironment not helping so much.”,, he said He assured that this year DACCIMA will revive its trade fair program that had been moribund, emphasizing that it would not be a fair for herbalists .
“I will hold a trade fair this year. We will not hold a trade fair of Babalawos. I want a trade fair of serious manufacturers to showcase their product. The trade fair is for November. We believe that trade fair grows businesses. ”, he said. Those honoured were Professor John Obodo,Emmanuel Ukeredi,Pastor Stanley Nwoye and others