The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) has urged the creation of a supportive ecosystem involving both government and the private sector to foster the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The Coordinator of NDYP, Mr. Gerald So-George, made this call at the recent 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit.
This nongovernmental and purely private-driven initiative highlights the importance of recognizing the youth as the region’s greatest assets.
So-George stressed the need for a collaborative ecosystem where government and the private sector unite to nurture entrepreneurs in the region.
“This includes the provision of capital, mentorship, and grooming,” said Mr. So-George.
He emphasized the dual nature of the Niger Delta: rich in resources yet plagued by environmental degradation, social unrest, and economic neglect.
He pointed out the untapped potential of the region’s human capital, particularly its youth, as a catalyst for change.
“The true strength of this region lies in its human capital—especially its youth. As Nigeria moves towards economic diversification, there is an urgent need for the young population in the Niger Delta to embrace entrepreneurship,” Mr. So-George asserted.
The NDYP has significantly impacted the region through initiatives like the Niger Delta MSME Summit, which has empowered over 2,304 individuals through personal grants, NCDMB loans, and the CBN Agric Loan Scheme.
“Approximately 1,620 businesses have benefited, creating a cumulative total of about 4,319 direct and indirect jobs. This underscores the significant impact of our collective efforts and the potential for even greater achievements,” he noted.
Mr So-George expressed optimism that the event, which gathered over 1,000 business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the nine oil-producing states in the Niger Delta, would help achieve the NDYP’s broader goals of economic transformation.
He envisions inspiring a new generation of business leaders and building a robust support network for budding entrepreneurs.
“Together, we can chart a new course for the Niger Delta, leveraging entrepreneurship to unlock its full potential and achieve lasting prosperity,” he added.
The 2024 Niger Delta MSME Summit, themed ‘Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil,’ featured strategic panel sessions where experts discussed how partnerships can boost agricultural growth and unlock funding to support entrepreneurship.
