Port Harcourt – The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) is spearheading a search for what it calls the “one solution” that could unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
Speaking at the 15th Make-In-Nigeria Annual Conference in Port Harcourt, Emmanuel Ogbondah, PHCCIMA’s Financial Secretary, delivered remarks on behalf of President Chinyere Nwoga, urging attendees to recognize that the solution lies within every Nigerian.
“The business community should be the apple of society and government’s eye, yet it has faced significant challenges,” Ogbondah stated. “Inflation, poor infrastructure, forex volatility — these are real problems, but the solution is in our hands. One solution can change Nigeria, and each of us has a role to play in finding it.”
He called on youth and entrepreneurs to act immediately, stressing that leadership is not only about the future. “Tomorrow is here today. Do not assume only the youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Action starts now. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and many sectors, including communications, have already seen notable successes.”
Ogbondah also shared a personal testimony of transformation, illustrating the conference’s potential to inspire change. “I attended this conference years ago and it shifted my path. I am a surveyor by training, but today I am also a farmer and hospitality entrepreneur. The inspiration I gained here enabled me to diversify and thrive.”
The five-day conference will feature leading thinkers and experts from Nigeria and abroad, sharing insights with young entrepreneurs eager to grow their ventures. On the opening day, Professor Kiin Kabari, a food science specialist, captivated attendees with cutting-edge research findings.
PHCCIMA’s initiative highlights the vital role of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and proactive engagement in addressing Nigeria’s economic and business challenges, emphasizing that transformative solutions start with individual action.