Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emphasized that the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) is a significant milestone that will drive comprehensive economic development in the Niger Delta region.
The governor made this statement during a sensitization workshop held in Owerri on Wednesday, which was organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to highlight the importance of NDCCITMA and its potential impact on the region’s growth.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Chinyere Ekomaru, Governor Uzodimma expressed optimism about the potential of NDCCITMA to become a critical catalyst for economic transformation in the Niger Delta.
He noted that the creation of the chamber aligns perfectly with the government’s broader vision of fostering a thriving and resilient regional economy.
According to Uzodimma, NDCCITMA will play a pivotal role in encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among businesses and stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
It is expected to create a vibrant business ecosystem where opportunities for growth and sustainability can be realized across various sectors.
The governor further stressed that the establishment of NDCCITMA fits into the state’s long-term goal of building a region that is not only economically robust but also socially stable and environmentally sustainable.
“This initiative is in line with the state government’s vision of creating a region that is economically strong, socially stable, and environmentally sustainable, where businesses thrive,” Uzodimma stated.
The launch of NDCCITMA is seen as a vital step towards creating a business-friendly environment that will enable companies to prosper, thereby contributing to the overall development of the region.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, outlined the purpose of establishing NDCCITMA, emphasizing its role as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He explained that many businesses in the region are unable to meet the stringent financial conditions set by formal institutions, which often hinders their growth and development.
NDCCITMA was created to address this gap by offering support and resources to these businesses, helping them thrive in the challenging economic landscape of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Ogbuku underscored the broader impact the chamber would have on the region’s economy, noting that its successful establishment would complement ongoing NDDC projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta.
He elaborated on the chamber’s wide-ranging influence, saying: “The activities of the chambers will positively influence development of robust transport systems, manufacturing, merchandising, mining, marine, and food security for our families.”
He further highlighted the importance of addressing food security, stating that NDCCITMA would work closely with local communities to reduce food costs, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of people in the region.
“We intend to work with the people to bring down the cost of food to affordable levels in order to improve the health of our people,” Mr. Ogbuku remarked.
In addition to supporting existing businesses, NDCCITMA is also set to play a vital role in addressing unemployment in the Niger Delta.
Mr. Ogbuku announced that the commission, through the chamber, would introduce a structured internship placement program aimed at young graduates.
This system will ensure that graduates have access to internship opportunities that will help them gain valuable work experience and develop practical skills, thereby reducing unemployment in the region.
He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to restore hope and provide opportunities for the people of the Niger Delta.
“The strategy would help fight the unemployment epidemic and restore hope to the Niger Delta people,” Ogbuku said.
At the event, the Secretary of NDCCITMA, Solomon Edebiri, delivered a paper that further expanded on the initiative’s goals.
He pointed out that NDCCITMA would focus on providing access to capacity-building programs for individuals and businesses in the Niger Delta.
Through training, retraining, internships, and apprenticeships, the chamber will ensure that the people of the region have the necessary skills to compete in an increasingly complex and globalized economy.
Edebiri also highlighted the importance of partnerships, stating that the chamber will work with existing chambers of commerce in the region to foster strategic alliances between businesses within and outside the Niger Delta.
This collaborative approach is expected to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses to expand and succeed.
Earlier in the workshop, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, also shared his thoughts on the potential of NDCCITMA to revolutionize business in the Niger Delta.
He emphasized that the chamber is poised to accelerate economic growth and transform the business landscape in the region.
Represented by Nosiri Godwin, Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Antai urged business groups and entrepreneurs to embrace the new chamber and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
He noted that NDCCITMA is set to play a crucial role in the region’s economic future, and businesses should be ready to participate in this transformative initiative.
The NDCCITMA initiative, which was officially launched in Port Harcourt on September 26, is a key component of the NDDC’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and development in the Niger Delta.
It represents a new chapter in the region’s history, one where businesses, governments, and communities work together to create a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
With its focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration, NDCCITMA is expected to drive economic development in the Niger Delta by creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, improving infrastructure, and addressing key social challenges such as unemployment and food security.
The chamber’s establishment marks a significant step forward in the region’s journey toward economic self-sufficiency and long-term prosperity.
