Niger Delta youths meet, vow to focus on MSMEs as post-oil economy plan
- Niger Delta stakeholders met recently to discuss the future of the youths in the oil-rich region
- Speakers at a summit organised in Port Harcourt, Rivers canvassed for huge investments in MSMEs
- Many say investment in MSMEs is a way to create sustainable jobs and to boost the economy of the region
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Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have canvassed for investors in the region to invest in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a catalyst to create employment and ensure global competitiveness.
This was the position canvassed at the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Summit 2021 held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the summit who is also the founder of Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) and Niger Delta Young Professionals, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, noted that the greatest contributory factor to the growth in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a collection of the committed efforts from young people, including youths of the Niger Delta.
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A statement sent to Legit.ng by the NYPF media team, stated that Siasia noted that the youth of Nigeria has been at the forefront of pioneering growth and innovations in technology, agriculture, entertainment, and sports which have brought in revenues for the country.
He said that the efforts of youths have provided a good international advantage for Nigeria through participation in sports, music, and entertainment and even in talent contribution worldwide.
Siasia advocated for the establishment of a Niger Delta Entrepreneurship Hub, a platform that will bridge the gap currently existing and train, equip and engage teeming Niger Delta youths, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for them.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitory Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote noted that there is an emerging global economic order which the youths should brace up and be a part of its evolution.
He noted that energy transition has become an immediate reality for which everyone interested in economic development should be mindful, especially the youths of the Niger Delta.
He highlighted the NCDMB special interventions on MSMEs growth to include the deployment of partway to stimulate growth in the areas of enterprise development, funding, and human capital development.
On his part, the interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr. Efiong Akwa called for greater investment in MSMEs as a way to create sustainable jobs and to boost the economy of the region.
He said the NDDC is undergoing a crucial transformation by way of the ongoing forensic audit, however, that the agency will continue to support the growth of businesses in the region.
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the summit will host over 300 carefully selected MSMEs /small business owners across all the states in the region who will attend in person, while others will join the conference virtually, in conformity with the COVI9-19 preventive guidelines and protocols.
Meanwhile, the NYPF recently hailed the contribution of a prominent Nigerian, Captain Idahosa Okunbo for his contribution to the promotion of entrepreneurship and youth development in the country.
Jerrywright Ukwu is a senior political/defence correspondent at Legit.ng based in Abuja. He is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. He is also an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He spends his leisure-time reading history books.
Source: Legit.ng
