The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed strong support for the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) as initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). During a sensitization workshop held in Uyo, Governor Eno, represented by Dr. John Etim, the state’s Commissioner for Trade and Investments, highlighted that this initiative is crucial for promoting investment and entrepreneurship within the region. He emphasized that the NDCCITMA aligns with the state government’s objectives to foster economic development in the area through collaborative efforts, marking a significant step towards diversifying the local economy beyond the traditional reliance on oil resources.
Governor Eno reflected on the pressing need for the region to evolve its economic strategies to ensure sustainable growth post-oil dependency, suggesting that investing in other sectors is vital for the long-term prosperity of the Niger Delta populace. He further articulated that the region is endowed with abundant natural resources and fertile agricultural land that can contribute significantly to food security and economic stimulation. With a focus on agricultural products like palm oil, he expressed confidence in the region’s potential to not only achieve self-sufficiency but also become a leading exporter in this sector. Thus, the governor’s vision stresses the importance of harnessing these resources to build a resilient economy that will benefit future generations.
In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, reiterated the commission’s commitment to enhancing the economic capacities of the Niger Delta people through targeted empowerment programs. Represented by Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono, Akwa Ibom’s representative on the NDDC Board, Ogbuku emphasized the importance of collaboration with NDCCITMA in providing skills training and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This approach is crucial as it equips the youth and upcoming entrepreneurs with necessary skills and resources, thus fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that can drive economic change within the region.
Underscoring the need for tailored skill development programs, Ogbuku called for the NDCCITMA to work alongside small and medium-scale businesses and individuals seeking financial assistance. This initiative aims to bolster the participating entrepreneurs and contractors, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring that they are adequately prepared to compete in the market. He reinforced that priority would be given to those businesses duly registered with NDCCITMA, thus creating an organized framework through which the NDDC and local entrepreneurs can interact and thrive.
Furthermore, Ogbuku linked the establishment of NDCCITMA to the broader “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Federal Government, which is designed to create a promising future for the region’s residents. By aligning local chambers of commerce with NDCCITMA, Ogbuku envisions a cohesive effort towards economic growth and development in the Niger Delta. The collaboration is aimed not only at expanding the business landscape but also at embedding a culture of business sustainability and entrepreneurship within the community, ultimately transforming the socioeconomic dynamics of the region.
In conclusion, the initiatives spearheaded by the NDDC, as endorsed by Governor Eno and carried forward through NDCCITMA, represent a fundamental paradigm shift for the Niger Delta region. By focusing on collaboration, investment in human capital, and diversification of the economy, the state aims to secure a sustainable and prosperous future beyond the oil era. This concerted effort to harness local resources and empower communities through training and financial support will be pivotal in reshaping the economic landscape of the Niger Delta, positioning it as a model for sustainable development and innovation in the coming years.
