By Adedapo Adesanya
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDDCITMA), a platform to enhance the growth of entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region, has been touted to help youths in the region with proper capacity development.
This as the initiative was flagged off by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, during the Establishment Sensitization Programme of the Chambers, in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Speaking, the NDDC boss noted that the novel initiative would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Mr Ogbuku affirmed that the commission was also partnering with the Bank of Industry (BoI) by providing N30 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.
“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.”
Mr Ogbuku also 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.
On his part, the Chairman of NDDCITMA, Mr 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.
“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 NDDCCITMA.
“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.
“NDCCITMA will in no mean measure contribute to the growth of our economy and bring prosperity to the people. From the maiden meeting of the directors of NDCCITAM, we have commenced serious networking with the various groups in the region, groups such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Technical Incubation Centers, trade groups, business communities, academic institutions, and professionals.”
Also, Secretary of the NDDCITMA Board, Mr Solomon Edebiri, applauded the NDDC management for deciding to use the Chambers of Commerce as a tool for development that would encompass the involvement of the very informal sector, small, medium, and large-scale businesses or companies.
“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 the delivery of projects that will enhance the region economically and ginger the people in multiple disciplines.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Mr Victor Antai, said NDCCITMA was poised to revolutionize business and accelerate economic growth in unprecedented ways.”
He said that the NDDC organized the workshop to raise awareness about the establishment of the NDCCITMA and to explore the vast opportunities it presents across the economic sector.
“Startups and business ideas in conceptual stages can leverage this opportunity, to advance their interest by seeking valuable business counsel from the chambers.
“Members of the Board of Directors of the NDCCITMA, have been meticulously selected from across the nine 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 reaches every corner of our region.”
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Business Post Contributor