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By Bimbola Oyesola
The Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Rivers State, yesterday, said it is ready to partner with Governor Similaiye Fubara’s administration for even development of the state as stated in the governor’s May 30, 2023 inaugural address to the people of Rivers State.
The intentions of the OPS to engage and partner with the governor in his quest to prioritise the industrial development of the State, according to the Rivers State Chairman, Godfrey Agorom in a congratulatory message was to support the new governor in his drive to reposition the state.
The five-member organisation under the aegis of OPS comprise the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, (NECA); Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA)and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN).
Other members of the apex body are the Nigeria Association of Small Scale and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).
Agorom stated that OPS sees Sir Fubara as one who is capable of providing strong, determined, focused, purposeful and responsible leadership,.
“We believe he will channel the resources of the state to more productive ventures. The OPS Boss expressed,” he said.
According to the Chairman, the task before the government is enormous and daunting, adding that the OPS is ready to engage the government and partner with her in policy making and implementation to prioritize economic and welfare needs of the state.
He applauded the governor’s zeal to improve the ease of doing business in the state with the view of attracting local and foreign direct investments.
Agorom is of the view that such a move will stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth, and improve the livelihood of the people. .
He said, “We are encouraged by Fubara’s plan to adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan for the State, revival of private sector partnership, job creation and empowerment of the people, support for the growth of small businesses, commercial agriculture to achieve food security and the general improvement of the living standard of the people.”
The OPS attributed the electoral victory of the governor to the doggedness of former Governor, Nyesom Wike whom it said, led the state to an unprecedented growth in infrastructural development within the eight years of his administration.
The OPS expressed confidence that Sir Fubara will focus more on the balanced development of the various sectors of the State economy especially the Manufacturing sector that has become endangered species.
“This is a sector that will generate real jobs with it’s attendant multiplier effect on the economy.
Our readiness to work with Governor Fubara is in response to his clarion call for the private sector to join hands with his government to provide good governance and economic empowerment to Rivers people,” he stated.
