By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) have commenced operations across nine states in the Niger Delta.
Established by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), NDCCITMA aims to drive entrepreneurship in the region.
Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony and sensitization programme in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He highlighted the chamber’s role in creating new jobs and stimulating economic activities in the Niger Delta region.
“This initiative will also train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs while supporting small and medium-scale enterprises,” he said.
Ogbuku further explained that the commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
“Our partnership with BOI will enable youths in rural areas to receive support through our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programme.
“Youths in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category,” Ogbuku elaborated.
The managing director expressed confidence that the chamber would attract new businesses and technology to the region.
He noted that the opening of businesses would bolster the local economy and accelerate development across the nine NDDC states.
“We encourage entrepreneurs to register with the chamber and urge International Oil Companies operating in the region to engage with NDCCITMA to access data on entrepreneurs,” he advised.
Mr Victor Antai, NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, called on startups and individuals with business ideas to take advantage on the opportunity to seek valuable business counsel from the chamber.
Antai explained that NDCCITMA’s members of Board of Directors had been meticulously selected from across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers states.
Earlier, the Chairman of NDCCITMA, Mr Idaere Ogan, remarked that the people of the Niger Delta had long desired a regional body to coordinate businesses in the area.
He stated that the chamber would provide essential guidance to entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish businesses in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the chamber would work closely with NDDC to enhance food sufficiency, manufacturing, skills development, and capacity building in the area.
“NDCCITMA will collaborate with NDDC to fulfil its vision and mandate of supporting the people of the Niger Delta.
“The chamber has already begun engaging various groups, including the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Technical Incubation Centres (TICs), and trade groups, among others.
“Our extensive networking is focussed on fostering rapid growth in the regional economy and ultimately bringing prosperity to the people,” Ogan said.
Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, NDCCITMA’s Second National Deputy President, commended the NDDC Governing Board for its promotion of numerous innovations in the Niger Delta.
