The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP), says harnessing opportunities inherent in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Information Technology, and knowledge-driven economy will make MSMEs to thrive for speedy development.
Convener of the Group, Mr Moses Siasia, in a statement states that clear evidences shows that crude oil will not continue to remain the driver of economic growth in the future, hence the need to strengthen (MSME) to address the persistent problems of unemployment, crimes, and other vices in the oil-rich region and the country at large.
To bridge this gap, he disclosed that the Niger Delta young professionals will hold it’s third edition of (MSME) Summit in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, by August 2023, to attract investors and create enormous opportunities that will build the capacity of young entrepreneurs in the region.
Convener of the Summit, Mr Siasia, notes that despite lack of support from government, poor management of small businesses, high-interest loans from banks, corruption, and inadequate infrastructures, MSMEs has made sustainable impacts over the years.
The summit with the theme: ‘Building the Culture of Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness Beyond Oil’, will through knowledge sharing, mentoring and networking from various Agencies and International Organizations create opportunities and empower osmall businesses to thrive.
“The beneficiaries of past editions, many of whom have received grants to grow their businesses, have been able to grow a huge business capital and create employment opportunities for other prospective MSMEs”.
“Over 400 Niger Deltans benefited from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan for small business owners in the area of Agriculture, at the last inaugural edition of the Summit held in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NDYP gave out grants to innovative business owners”. He noted.
Siasia added that this year’s event will feature Product Exhibitions, Grants, Business-to-Business meetings, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities from outstanding successful entrepreneurs, Innovators, strategists and Business Leaders from top brands.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto; Editing by Omolola Ameen and Daniel Adejo