RSG TASKS BUSINESS OPERATORS ON TAX PAYMENT

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged business operators in the State to pay their taxes regularly to enable the State Government meet its Obligations in providing basic infrastructure and public services.

Governor Wike stated this, Monday at the 5th International Christian Business Exhibition and Conference with the Theme: *“SME’s, The Drivers of Economic Revival and Innovations in Nigeria”* held in Port Harcourt.

The State Chief Executive who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the State Government was committed to ensuring conducive environment for investors and business operators to thrive, noting that with the gains of the collaborative efforts with Security Agents, the State is being repositioned as the economic hub of Africa.

The Governor assured that his Administration would keep its promise to be prudent in the management of resources by upholding the tenet of transparency and accountability to the people.

“This government is accountable and sensitive to the desire of the people. We shall ensure that every penny of the State is used to improve the welfare of Rivers people,” He assured.

He expressed commitment by the State Government to collaborate with “Market place Apostles Empowerment Foundation” in providing necessary economic incentives to boost private sector driven economy in the State.

The State Chief Executive called on stakeholders and participants to explore several business openings available to invest in Rivers State and charged the Organizers to encourage formation of Cooperative Societies to enable the Youths benefit from revolving loan scheme of the State Government and become Entrepreneurs.

Chief Wike thanked the Founder and President of IC-BEC, Mr. Uche Onochie, for sustaining the vision aimed at developing the technical and cognitive skills for participants and the promotion of Christian values in business.

Earlier, the President and Founder of the Market Place Apostles Empowerment

Foundation Mr. Uche Onochie, said the capacity of the Nation to positively compete in the global SME’s market place depends on its ability to introduce innovations and employ the relevant machinery to stimulate SME’s growth in Nigeria.

Mr. Uche observed that Japan’s economic revolution was powered by the SME economy and recommended greater investment in the informal sector, while lauding the State Government for its efforts in making the state an investor’s haven.

Speaking on the topic, SME’s The Driver of Economic Revival and Innovations in Nigeria, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Mines and Agriculture (PHCIMA), Mr. Emeka Unachukwu, identified major problems confronting SME’s development in Nigeria to include poor finance, market and cultural inhibitions.

High points of the opening ceremony were the presentation of an Excellence Award to Governor Nyesom Wike for his outstanding performance in governance by IC-BEC, and inspection of exhibition stand by the Governor Representative.