By Francis Sadhere
The Warri Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, WACCIMA, have called on the Delta State government to create enabling laws to curb youths activities in the state, saying that the revival of Delta Ports depends on creating an enabling environment were business can strive.
President of WACCIMA, Chief Simon Asite made this call in Warri during the weekend when members of WACCIMA paid the Delta Ports Manager, Mr. Okeke Simon Okeke, a courtesy visit in his office in Warri.
He lamented that the activities of some youths in the state have contributed to the reason why Delta Ports, especially Warri Ports have continued to remain under utilized, adding that unless something is done by the state government the ports will never attract investors.
Asite also called for a forum where unemployment, youth restiveness, low patronage of Delta Ports, dredging and periodic maintenance of the sea channels, negligence of the implementation of the cabotage act and exorbitant port charges which are inimical to business activities of importers and exporters, could be discussed.
We are fully convinced that when these challenges are tackled and surmounted through collaborative efforts of the Chambers and Delta Ports, the multiplying effect will be seen in a more stable socio-economic environment that Warri and its environs desperately need to foster economic growth and development,
He said WACCIMA was excited about the appointment of Mr. Okeke as they are fully persuaded that his appointment will mark a turning point not just in Delta Ports but also the growth and development of the maritime sector and the economy of Warri and Delta State.
While acknowledging the strategic importance of the office of the new Port Manager of Delta Ports, Warri, WACCIMA noted that partnership with the Port Manager was coming at an era of youth restiveness and economic recession faced by the nation.
We once again use this medium to appeal that more should be done in the form of joint sensitization programmes that would carry the general public along so that your legacy would be celebrated long after you leave, Asite told the Delta Port Manager.
Responding the Delta Ports Manager, Mr. Simon Okeke, while expressing his appreciation for the visit by the WACCIMA members, pledged to work with the body to ensure that Delta Ports, especially Warri Port, comes alive again.
I am very pleased for this visit because your intentions are in line with the intention of this management. We are going to collaborate with WACCIMA to ensure that the ports come back to life. We are not resting on our oars because we know that if this port functions well it is going to be to the benefit of all. Okeke said.
