By Francis Sadhere

The Warri Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WACCIMA) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish marketing boards that will create demands through agricultural value chain.

Chief Simeon Asite, WACCIMA President.

The President of WACCIMA, Chief Simeon Asite made this call on Thursday during his welcome address at the chamber’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Warri.

According to Asite, the paradigm shift into agro-economy in the face of dwindling oil and gas as sources of revenue in the country has called for the need for all to go into agriculture.

He however, noted that for agriculture to succeed the government must introduce favourable fiscal measures that will impact on agricultural production and processing.

Asite also called for the establishment of agencies that will properly direct federal funds to Nigerian farmers and processors alike at a single digit interest rate.

On security, Asite, while appreciating the efforts of government in tackling insecurity, stressed on the need for more measures to be introduced to control crime, youth restiveness and holiganism.

He noted that the state government must tackle insecurity as a priority if it wants to attract local and foreign investors.

Asite also called for a legislative backing that will address the issue of “unnecessary extortion, youth festiveness and illegal entry into construction sites of companies and property developers.”

While also stressing that Warri economy depended on the Warri ports prior to the advent of oil and gas boom, Asite charged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to mount pressure on the Federal government to institute policies that will revitalize the ports.

He also asked Governor Okowa to mount pressure on oil mining leases in the state to relocate their headquarters to Warri.

The WACCIMA President said the above measure will contribute immensely to improving the investment climate in Warri and it’s environs.

The Delta state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. (Mrs.) May Awhotu-Iyasere said the state government is ready to work in collaboration with WACCIMA to ensure that Warri is made an investment haven in the state.

Presenting the lead paper with the theme, New Approach to Industrial Revolution in Warri and Environs” the Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering Limited, Mr. Leemon Ikpea  described Warri as a town filled with milk and honey.

Dr. Leemon, who was represented by the Managing Director, Lee Engineering, Mr. Godwin Ebolime explained lack of access to funds, infrastructures, poor power supply, heavy taxes, and insecurity were some of the reasons why companies were leave Warri.

He therefore called on the state government, community leaders and all stakeholders in the state to look into the issues of disturbances and youth restiveness in Warri.

New executives of WACCIMA were also sworn in to take charge of the affairs of the chambers for the next two years.

The Uvwie Monarch, HRM Abe 1, the Movie of Uvwie Kingdom who was represented by Chief Hope Erute pledge to support WACCIMA in its bid to revitalize Warri and it’s environs.