Delta State Government has reiterated its determination to showcase a trade fair that would impact positively on the economy of the state.
The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Kingsley Eze-Emu, who stated this in Asaba while inaugurating a 13-man Local Organising Committee for the 2013 Delta State Trade Fair in Warri. With the theme “Trade Beyond Oil”, the fair, Emu said is geared towards advancing the state’s drive towards weaning its economy from dependence on revenue from crude oil.
Mr. Emu said that the state government decided to partner with the Organised Private Sector carrying the trade fair so as to be result oriented, adding that it was key in realising the Delta beyond Oil initiative of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in his determination to leave an enduring legacy for Deltans.
He said construction work on four fish-feed processing plants in the Delta State to ensure adequate supply of feeds to fish farmers and boosting of fish production in the state. The fish-feed processing plants had become necessary in the state considering the large-scale fish farming going on in the state.
At the last count, Emu said there were over 10,000 fish ponds owned by 6,000 fish farmers in Uwvie Local Government Area of the state alone while a similar number of farmers are in Asaba. On completion, the fish feed companies would be handed over to the private sector for efficient management.
Emu said that these measures, including the establishment of cassava processing plant, were taken by the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration, to add value to agriculture and create employment in the state.
He said that the trade fair was aimed at showcasing the agricultural produce as well as innovations made by different groups and individuals in the state.
He said that the state government had decided to partner more with the private sector in organizing this year’s trade fair, scheduled for hold between October 21 and 27 in Warri, to ensure success.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, represented at the occasion by his Special Assistant, Mr. Pius Mordi said that the trade fair was one of the manifestation of the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in diversifying the economic of the state.
Mr. Ogeah emphasised that the private sector would take charge of the marketing aspect of the event.
Responding on behalf of its members, the President of the Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, Chief Uju Udeme applauded the ingenuity of the Governor and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry for organising the trade fair as well for as finding them worthy to serve at the Committee.
Members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on the fair include Mr. Andy Uwejenyan (chairman), Chief Alex Sharta (Director of Operations), Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Emeka Mmadu, Ben Abhemlemhen and Lucky Arwotiope among others.
Signed
PIUS MORDI
Special Assistant to Honourable Commissioner
September 24, 2013.
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