Chinyere Nwoga of PHCCIMA (4th from left) with Ibim Semenitari (5th from right) and the other members of the delegation
…As Ibim Semenitari calls for support for SMEs, women businesses
A collaboration between the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Wakirike International Trade Fair’ series seems to reopen the old colonial trade route in the Niger Delta.
This is as Okrika which stands at the water tip of the Port Harcourt River heading out to Bonny island as centre of clothings and imports may be open again.
This is because the Wakirike trade group have linked up with the PHCCIMA and calls have been made for deeper attention to small businesses which actually carry the weight of families.
The call came when the Wakirike International Trade Fair (WITF) group led by the Convener, Miriam Tam-Oputa, visited the city chamber.
Welcoming the visitors accompanied by Ibim Semenitari, onetime commissioner for information in Rivers State and an acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the PHCCIMA boss, Chinyere Nwoga, made it clear that the City Chamber was a peace builder for the fact that the business people create wealth and jobs that calm the populace and create peace.
Nwoga, first female president of the PHCCIMA since its inception in 1957, noted that the Port Harcourt chamber of commerce is the second largest chamber in Nigeria number about 80 city chambers across the country so far with 28 bilateral chambers.
In all, she stated, Port Harcourt chamber is the number two highest chamber in the country. “We have six prime chambers in Nigeria and Port Harcourt chamber is one of the best.”
As a chamber of commerce, she went on, “We do not just bear the mandate but we also make sure that they make businesses grow by collaborating with partners. We realise that when businesses grow life changes and there’s also peace because people are gainfully employed.
“As a chamber, we are the protectors of business in Rivers State and even beyond. I am the vice chairman of Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WOCCIMA) and that is the only chamber of commerce for women in this county. We are a bridge in commerce and in business community.”
Speaking in trade fairs, Nwoga said any such event in Rivers State would have to come talk to PHCCIMA first because; “We have the powers to shut them down if they haven’t done the necessary paper work to hold the fair. But you have come with the ex-commissioner. That will make a big difference. Now, I am sure you know better.”
She also explained that as a chamber, PHCCIMA does trade fairs. “We do have our major trade fair every December which will hold between 12th and 22nd of December, 2025.”
Earlier, Tams-Oputa explained the concept of the Wakirike International Trade Fair, saying the organisers, all young persons, have come to learn.
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She told newsmen outside the meeting thus: “You know what it means getting an approval from PHCCIMA. All these years, I never believed that I will have to get an indorsement from them, but coming here I got to know a lot of things. If you look at it, you will understand that most of these trade fairs in Port Harcourt and Rivers State do not really have endorsement. Coming here I have come to know what and what we need to do to get their inducement. It means a whole lot to me.”
Turning to young persons, she advised them to never fear to press on. “Whatever you are doing, do it well. You might think nobody is seeing you but do the right things. As long as what you are doing is legitimate, do it well; put an effort. Your voice will be heard and your face will be seen.”
On her own, Semenitari, who is now the executive director, ABEC Education Center, said: “I actually came with the convener of the Wakrike International Trade Fair, Mrs Miriam Tams-Oputa, a young lady who is doing phenomenal work trying to bring back trade and commerce and reignite the economy of Okrika/Ogubolo, Port Harcourt, and South-South.
“When she mentioned it to me, I gave my support immediately. Thus, I came with her to see the president of PHCCIMA who gave us warm welcome and even provided some direction and guidance.
“You know that the Port Harcourt chamber is one of the most respected chambers in the country and they have opened their doors to young people like Tams-Oputa.
“I am proud of Dr Chinyere Nwoga who incidentally is the first woman to lead this chamber since 1957. She has been doing some phenomenal work and it was a very warm visit. I am glad that I could join them.”
Making a case for women and small businesses, Mrs Semenitari said: “We must find ways to support women in micro businesses especially and small scale enterprises because a lot of women are at the engine rooms of their own home economies and by extension the economy of the state. We don’t realize how much the economy of this country rests on the shoulders of micro businesses. They are the ones that carry families. Most them are women-headed.”
The world renowned journalist and publisher urged Government to find ways to support small businesses because that is where women play most. “Government should create the right environment for them to thrive because actually the global economy rests on this segment.
“They need conducive atmosphere to thrive such as soft loans and grants, safety, infrastructure, etc.”
About the Wakirike International Trade Fair (WITF)
Wakirike means we are not different. Wakirike is a town in Rivers state Nigeria. The name was chosen to showcase the community culture and heritage.
Trade fair objective:
The town played a prominent role in international commerce as the first hub for international shippers bringing in clothes and other consumer goods for onward distribution to the hinterlands, thus giving it the early trade name, Okrika.
The trade fair is designed to connect the present with the past and decide a path to the future, with the youth and women in business in mind. It is also designed to pursue peace and the role of the youth in this venture so that the old trade route and hub could be reignited.
2nd Edition
The venue is said to be at Ibaka Town Ultra-Modern Market, Okrika LGA, and the theme is ‘Reigniting Coastal Commerce, Unlocking Okrika’s Maritime Potential for Inclusive Prosperity’
This year’s events are meant to attract dignitaries, investors, industry experts, and community members especially women and the youth.
The event is expected to promote peace by bringing community members together, fostering unity and understanding.
The trade fair is designed to empower women and youths by providing entrepreneurship opportunities, networking and growth, peace and unity, cultural showcasing, and economic growth.
