The people of the Niger Delta region are set for a new phase of entrepreneurial development with the launch of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDDCITMA).
The Guardian gathered that the platform would enhance the growth of entrepreneurs in the region.
The chamber, which was formally flagged off by the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, aims to attract new businesses and technologies to the region.
Speaking during the Establishment Sensitization Programme of the Chambers of Commerce in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said that the novel initiative would help train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Ogbuku affirmed that the Commission was also partnering with the Bank of Industry by providing ₦30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to facilitate the success of the Commission’s youth development programmes. He said that the collaboration would ensure the sustainability of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
He assured: “With the Bank of Industry in the mix, youths in rural areas can be sure of receiving support through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programme, while those in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category.”
Ogbuku said that the chamber of commerce would attract new businesses and technologies to the region, as well as support new businesses through networking opportunities, leading to growth in the economy of the region.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of NDDCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, said that the people of the region had longed for a forum where they could seek genuine guidance and assistance in developing their businesses in all ramifications.
He said, “Let me, therefore, salute the visionary leadership of the Managing Director of the NDDC and his Executive Management for this unique innovation to promote the establishment of NDDCITMA.
“The primary objective of NDDCITMA is to work closely with NDDC to pursue its vision for the Niger Delta region, implement its mandate, and bring development to the people of the region.
“NDDCITMA will in no small measure contribute to the growth of our economy and bring prosperity to the people. From the maiden meeting of the directors of NDDCITMA, we have commenced serious networking with various groups in the region, such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Technical Incubation Centers (TIC), trade groups, business communities, academic institutions, and professionals.”
The Secretary of the NDDCITMA board, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said, “The successful establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce is one of the numerous success stories of the NDDC under the leadership of Chief Samuel Ogbuku. The process further attests to his commitment, strength, and tenacity when it comes to delivering projects that will enhance the region economically and inspire the people in multiple disciplines.”
He applauded the NDDC management for deciding to use the Chambers of Commerce as a tool for development that would encompass the involvement of the informal sector, as well as small, medium, and large-scale businesses.
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, noted that the programme had been translated from vision to reality.
He said: “When I assumed office as the Executive Director of Projects, one of the foremost initiatives I reckoned would significantly impact the development of our dear region was the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce initiative.
“Today, we launch the sensitization workshop for the establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines & Agriculture (NDDCITMA), an initiative poised to revolutionise business and accelerate economic growth in unprecedented ways.”
He said that the NDDC organised the workshop to raise awareness about the establishment of the NDDCITMA and to explore the vast opportunities it presents across the economic sector, noting: “Startups and business ideas in their conceptual stages can leverage this opportunity to advance their interests by seeking valuable business counsel from the Chambers.”
“Members of the Board of Directors of the NDDCITMA have been meticulously selected from across the 9 states of the region. They have proven track records in their respective fields of endeavour, and we as a Board and Management of NDDC are committed to working closely with them to ensure that our vision and mandate reach every corner of our region.”
Antai stated that the chamber would complement the Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), meant to identify the interests of the youths for skills training.
