The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA).

The Governor, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Dr John James Etim, gave the plaudits while declaring open the NDCCITMA sensitisation workshop in Uyo, the state capital.

He said that the Chamber of Commerce initiative aligned with the state government’s policy of promoting investments and entrepreneurship as critical drivers of economic development.

Governor Eno stressed the importance of collaborations in promoting investments to secure the future of Niger Delta people in the years beyond the oil-driven economy, noting that thinking beyond the oil era was a pathway to sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

He noted that the Niger Delta region was blessed with abundant natural resources, including rich arable land for agriculture.

According to him, “We have rich agricultural produce, such as palm oil for which we can be self-sufficient, as well as being a net-exporter.”

In his address at the occasion, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated the commitment of the Commission to the development of the people of the region through economic empowerment programmes.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono, said that the collaboration with the NDCCITMA would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-scale enterprises.

He called on NDCCITMA to design industry-friendly skill development programmes and urged the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, formal and informal business communities and individuals seeking for financial support to register with NDCCITMA for future interventions.

The NDDC boss stated that the Commission would henceforth give priority to entrepreneurs and contractors that were duly registered with the NDCCITMA.

He declared: "The vision behind the establishment of NDCCITMA is in line with Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at enabling an assured future for the people. I want to encourage all Chambers of Commerce within the region to work closely with NDCCITMA."

In his own address, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir. Victor Antai, observed that the sensitization workshop was organised to raise awareness about the establishment of NDCCITMA and to explain the vast opportunities it presented across various economic sectors.

Antai, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr Godwin Nosiri, said that the Chamber of Commerce initiative would support small scale businesses that were struggling, as well as boost nano and micro-level businesses that were almost non-existent, noting that collaboration with NDCCITMA would help to aggregate smaller business groups and develop sustainable models for growth.

He enjoined the business groups, startups and those with business ideas in the conceptual stage to leverage on the opportunity provided to advance their interest by seeking valuable business counsel from the new Chamber of Commerce.

The Secretary of the NDCCITMA board, Dr Solomon Edebiri, said that “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.”

He 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 the large-scale businesses or companies.

•PHOTO: The Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Board, Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono (left) welcoming the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Dr John James Etim (right), with the NDDC Director, Community and Industrial Development, Dr Godwin Nosiri (middle), during the NDCCITMA sensitisation workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.