BY SAM DUVWODE
The Delta State Government has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for its laudable initiative in accelerating socio economic development in the region through the promotion and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises.
The Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme gave the commendation while declaring open a sensitization workshop on the establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDDCITMA) at Asaba, yesterday. Sir Onyeme said the vision for the establishment of the chambers of commerce, Industry, trade, mines and agriculture in the Niger Delta was a welcome development that would help to support and connect businesses for accelerated growth.
The Acting governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen expressed hope that the NDDCITMA would help to identify areas of cooperation among states in the region by formulating policy templates that would engender the growth of micro,small and medium enterprises.
He said the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture would enable the various states in the region to address issues of common interest, foster a more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity through information sharing and using the natural resources for an all-inclusive economic growth and development.
The acting governor affirmed that this administration was committed to supporting ideas that would reposition agriculture and attract funding to build critical socio and economic infrastructure that would further accelerate industrialization in the various states.
Sir Onyeme said the sensitization workshop would provide an overview of the state of natural resources exploitation in the Niger Delta and proffered solutions on how best to deepen the collaboration between the private and public sectors in wealth creation, employment generation and the enhancement of the ease of doing business.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Samuel Igbuku represented by a Director, NDDC Delta State Office, Mr. OnoriodeOmo-Udoyo said the NDDCITMA was borne out of the desire to fund lasting solution to the challenges plaguing businesses in the Niger Delta region.
He assured that the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture would bring relief to the people of the region involved in entrepreneurship in different sectors such as transport and manufacturing, merchandising, mining, marine and food security among others.
Chief Igbuku called on all chambers of commerce within one region to work closely with NDDCITMA to grow the economy of the region.
For his part, the Executive Director, Projects in the NDDC, Hon Victor Antai represented by the Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr. Godwin Nosiri said the sensitization workshop was to raise awareness about the establishment of NDDCITMA to explore the vast opportunities in the various economic sectors.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Ambassador Idaere Gogo-Ogan represented by the Secretary, Chief Solomon Edebiri said the chamber would bring investment opportunities to potential investors, develop skills and entrepreneurship, promote the export of good and services.
Others who spoke including some participants lauded the NDDC for the sensitization workshop for the workshop.
The workshop featured the presentation of some lecturers, questions and answers.
