Yenagoa: Mr. Moses Siasia, the Founder of the Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP), has emphasized the pivotal role that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in job creation and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. This assertion comes as the region prepares for the 5th Niger Delta MSME Summit, set to take place in Yenagoa on December 9.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Siasia highlighted that the summit is expected to draw over 1,000 young entrepreneurs and business owners. The event will focus on equipping MSMEs with the necessary skills, mentorship, and support to expand their operations and generate employment opportunities throughout the region. The summit aims to bolster MSMEs as a significant engine for job creation and economic diversification not only in the Niger Delta but across the broader Nigerian economy.
The summit will feature a range of activities, including exhibitions, keynote presentations, panel sessions, mentorship engagements, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs aged between 20 and 45. This year’s theme, ‘Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation,’ underscores the growing importance of small businesses in tackling unemployment and reducing economic exclusion.
Siasia noted that past editions of the summit had provided participants with access to grants, funding, and business support systems, such as the NIRSAL Intervention Loan, which benefited more than 400 entrepreneurs in 2021. He stressed the need for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole to embrace a future driven by innovation, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and the knowledge economy, with MSMEs remaining at the forefront of this transformation.
The summit will see Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa serving as Chief Host, while Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is expected to be the Guest of Honour. Other invited guests include Mr. Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC); Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Mr. Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture; and business executive Mr. George Omoraro.