Abia State Government has been urged to work closely with the organised private sector to realise its aim of making the State the hub of micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Anthony Enukeme, president, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), a frontline city chamber in the South-East region of Nigeria, explained that such collaboration will create harmony between Government and the organised private sector and attract fresh investments into the area.
Enukeme, an oil mogul and chairman, chief executive officer of TONIMAS Nigeria Limited, observed that government and the organised private sector, represented by the chamber movement, play major roles in the development of the society.
According to him, while government has the responsibility of providing conducive environment, such as security, power, road development and maintenance, provision of portable water and health facilities to make life easy for the people and attract investors, the organised private sector consisting of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, create jobs and provide goods and services to the people.
Consequently, he said there is every need therefore for the Government and the organised private sector to come together from time to time to plan and work for the greater development of the society.
He commended decisions taken so far by the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration to reposition Abia, stressing that his action packed administration took-off on a very good note with focus on how to rebuild dilapidated infrastructure to help move the State and its people forward.
“We are aware of the many road reconstruction projects and opening of blocked drainages, the administration embarked upon in Aba and other parts of the State, barely days after assumption of office.
“Another was your prompt invitation of our Chamber Movement for a meeting on July 7, in Umuahia where you released a blueprint on your administration’s policy thrust for developing the State and extended a hand of fellowship to the organised private sector, towards its realization”.
He reiterated the readiness of the organized private sector in Aba, to work with government to ensure the success of what he termed, “people-oriented programmes embarked upon by the administration.
In society, government and the organized private sector, represented by the Chamber movement, play major roles that when brought together, help society growth and development.
He however, urged the State Government to tackle kidnapping and other heinous crimes in the State and especially in Aba, the State’s commercial hub.
Ikpeazu’s, focal point is to improve the economy of Abia State, generate employment and put food on the table of the people.
To realize this, the Abia State Governor, intends to assist micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in the State to improve their businesses and attract more patronage to the State.
GODFREY OFURUM
