Ten entrepreneurs from across the Niger Delta region have emerged as winners of business grants worth millions of naira at the 5th Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit held on Tuesday in Yenagoa.
The grants, awarded to businesses in fashion design, agro-processing and other value chains, were the highlight of the one-day event organised by the Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) under the theme: “Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation.”
Convener of the summit and NDYP founder, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, disclosed that the organisation has empowered dozens of young entrepreneurs over the years, with approximately 70 per cent of past beneficiaries recording significant business growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at PEE’S HUB Event Place, Siasia urged youths in the region to remain deliberate about personal and professional development despite prevailing challenges.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, charged participants to “work hard and smart” to achieve success in business.
“There is no contentment in business. At every level you find yourself, there are other levels to explore,” Governor Diri said, adding that his administration remains committed to youth empowerment and MSME development.
He revealed plans to train more entrepreneurs who will in turn mentor upcoming business owners.
The governor commended Siasia and NDYP for sustaining the annual summit and pledged continued government support.
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Industry experts including George Omararo, Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah, Josephine Itonyo and Ayodeji Sotirin encouraged participants to adopt technology for business expansion and to maintain integrity to attract funding and customer loyalty.
A panel session featuring young founders such as Harriet Edide, Siloko Pereowei Prince, Bruce Lucas, David Osadolor, Ekemini Udo and Blessing Asokomeh examined regulatory bottlenecks, infrastructure deficits and the growing importance of digital commerce in the region.
The summit also featured hands-on boot camps on product design, financial modelling, pitch preparation and marketing strategies, with facilitators offering one-on-one mentoring.
Beneficiary Lawson Ebimene, a fashion entrepreneur, described the training as “a game changer” that helped her overhaul her pricing strategy, while agro-processor Livingston Charles said the event exposed him to export opportunities and responsible scaling techniques.
Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining initiatives that drive youth entrepreneurship and economic inclusion across the Niger Delta.
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 Summit held on Tuesday in Yenagoa.){kind=link}