The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA) and the Rivers Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHIP) have advised Rivers residents to embrace integrity, preparedness, and health insurance.

They gave the advice at the 2026 Annual Business Fair and Symposium of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International Nigeria, South-South District 4, Garden City Eminent Chapter, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The business fair and symposium was organised by the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International Nigeria in collaboration with PHACCIMA, the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, among others.

The PHACCIMA president, Chinyere Nwoga, urged Christian business leaders to embrace innovation, strategic partnerships, and ethical leadership to promote sustainable economic growth.

Ms Nwoga, who is also the lead partner, spoke on the theme of the event, “Positioning for Sustainable Growth in a Dynamic Economy.”

She said the challenging business environment required resilience, strategic thinking, adaptability, and responsible leadership for businesses to remain competitive.

She said PHACCIMA was committed to promoting enterprise, stimulating investment, and strengthening businesses to create jobs, improve living standards, and increase government revenue.

The PHACCIMA president said the business fair provided opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and partnerships.

Ms Nwoga commended the fellowship for promoting entrepreneurial excellence, integrity, and godly leadership.

She urged Christians to shun the notion that business and religious service were mutually exclusive.

According to her, transparency, accountability, and integrity could contribute to the growth of the church and society.

Ms Nwoga also called for stronger partnerships in mentorship, business development, and investment promotion to build a resilient and inclusive private sector.

The chief executive officer of Integrated Services Ltd., Steve Ayiyi, advised aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire practical experience, conduct proper research, and gain adequate knowledge before investing in businesses.

Mr Ayiyi, who was the “main testifier” at the event, cautioned young entrepreneurs against venturing into businesses simply because they saw others succeeding in them, saying that a lack of knowledge and preparation could lead to substantial financial losses.

“There is time to go to school and there is time to gain experience, so I urge prospective investors in the oil and gas sector to acquire substantial expertise before venturing into the industry for sustainable development,” he said.

He added that businessmen should not despise their humble beginnings, as the Holy Book says.

Mr Ayiyi advised prospective business investors to embrace God, acknowledge His presence in their lives, and allow Him to lead them in their businesses.

Meanwhile, the head of department, marketing, RIVCHIP, Kingsford Ngini, urged Rivers residents to embrace health insurance and regular medical check-ups to prevent avoidable deaths.

Mr Ngini attributed some avoidable deaths to poor health planning and the failure to prepare for medical emergencies.

He said Rivers had about nine million residents, but only about 160,000 were enrolled in RIVCHIP, describing the enrolment level as low.

According to him, the least expensive RIVCHIP plan costs N25,000 annually and provides access to healthcare at a hospital of one’s choice, while the scheme currently works with functional primary healthcare centres and more than 50 private hospitals.

He urged residents to register through www.rivchip.rp.gov.ng, stating that RIVCHIP was committed to prioritising the health of residents in Rivers.

The major highlight of the event was an exhibition by Golden Tulip Hotel Port Harcourt, Sparkling Hotel, Steve Integrated Tech Services Ltd., Camp and Pride Ltd., Infraworx Utilities Ltd., Novelty Eye Clinic, Sleek Angels International School, Green City Africa, among others.

(NAN)