NDDC Launches Niger Delta Chamber Of Commerce Sensitisation Initiative

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has officially launched the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDDCITMA) platform to support the growth of entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the Chambers of Commerce’s Establishment Sensitisation Programme in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the novel initiative would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-sized businesses.
In a statement issued by Seledi, Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbuku confirmed that the Commission was also collaborating with the Bank of Industry by providing 30 billion naira to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the success of the Commission’s youth development programmes. He stated that the collaboration would ensure the viability of the NDDC’s youth development programs.
He stated, “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, program, while those in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, category.”
According to Ogbuku, the Chamber of Commerce will attract new businesses and technologies to the region while also supporting new businesses through networking opportunities, resulting in regional economic growth.
Earlier, the Chairman of NDDCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, stated that the people of the region had longed for a forum where they could seek genuine guidance and assistance in all aspects of business development.

He stated: “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 goal of NDDCITMA is to collaborate closely with NDDC to pursue its vision for the Niger Delta Region, carry out its mandate, and bring development to the people of the region.”

“NDCCITMA will undoubtedly contribute to our economy’s growth and prosperity. Since the first meeting of the directors of NDCCITAM, we have begun serious networking with various groups in the region, including the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Technical Incubation Centres (TIC), trade groups, business communities, academic institutions, and professionals.”

Dr Solomon Edebiri, Secretary of the NDDCITMA board, stated that “the successful establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce is one of the numerous success stories of the NDDC under Chief Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership.” The process demonstrates his commitment, strength, and tenacity in delivering projects that will benefit the region economically and the people in a variety of disciplines.”
He praised the NDDC management for deciding to use Chambers of Commerce as a development tool that would include participation from the very informal sector, small, medium, and large-scale businesses or companies.

Sir Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, stated that the programme had been transformed from a vision to a reality.
He stated, “When I took office as Executive Director, Projects, one of the first initiatives I believed would have a significant impact on the development of our beloved Region was the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce initiative.
“Today, we kick off the sensitisation workshop for the formation of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), an initiative poised to revolutionise business and accelerate economic growth in unprecedented ways.”
He stated that the NDDC organised the workshop to raise awareness about the establishment of the NDCCITMA and to explore the vast opportunities it presents across the economic sector, noting that “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 NDCCITMA Board of Directors have been meticulously selected from all nine states in the region. They have proven track records in their respective fields of endeavour, and we, as NDDC’s Board and Management, are committed to collaborating closely with them to ensure that our vision and mandate reach every corner of our region.”
Antai stated that the chamber would supplement the Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), which aims to identify the interests of youths for skill training.