Niger Delta MSME Summit Empowers Young Entrepreneurs in Yenagoa
By Victor Oroyi – Some young entrepreneurs have received cash grants and access to a free mentorship program aimed at scaling up their businesses at the 5th edition of the Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Summit, MSME.
The Niger Delta MSME Summit which took place on at Pee’s Hub Event Place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital brought together young innovators, policymakers, and business leaders from across the region, organized by the Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) and its partners with the theme: Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as a Driver of Sustainable Growth and Innovation.
Speaking during the event, Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri noted that the government is committed to supporting initiatives to empower young people in the state.
Governor Diri who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimbofa Ayawei urged participants at the summit to develop themselves through continuos learning of skills that would grow and sustain their businesses.
“Resources of the earth are diminishing, it is only those who act smart that will survive, If things are not working, you must find a way to do it better, you must be very intentional so that you can succeed, at every level you find yourself, there are higher levels to explore”
He commended the NDYP for consistently nurturing the region’s entrepreneurial
landscape while also urging participants to learn and apply the knowledge gained from the summit.
Keynote speaker, Dr. George Omoraro, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rage Media urged the young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta to make a commitment to re-educating themselves, uphold the right principles and take positive actions to build the future that they desire.
“Our environment is not a limitation, people who go through more adversity find themselves in better advantage situations, it is you and your reactions that matters most not the environment”
Dr Omoraro charged the young entrepreneurs to look beyond their challenges and see problems as opportunities to become better and successful.
Also speaking, Mrs. Josephine Itonyo, Founder of Quantum Business School pointed out that young people need a mindset change as good things go through a process of focus, discipline and determination to achieve success.
On his part, Founder of CAADES Oil and Gas Ltd, Dr. Chimaobi Anyanso delivered insights on building resilient businesses, leveraging technology, and fostering creative enterprise in emerging markets.
“Innovation is not about apps but doing things better and faster, every entrepreneur must have a clear strategy to grow, think beyond daily profits, be formal, register your business, move from competition to collaborations and partnerships”
Dr Anyanso reiterated the need for partnerships among young entrepreneurs adding that discipline, integrity, capacity building and humility are essential elements for a profitable business.
Convener of the Niger Delta Young Professionals, NDYP, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, in his remarks, reaffirmed the organization’s mission to empower young business owners and strengthen economic growth in the Niger Delta.
“We have given over 650 grants to support businesses, creating over 20,000 jobs, what we are doing is historic, we are building men and women that will stand the test of time, as young entrepreneurs, we are change makers in the society, the future and destiny of this region lies in our hands, we must continue to work to bring the needed change”
He urged the young business owners to make proper use of the insights and knowledge from the summit to transform their businesses.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Mr. Gerald Sogorge, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging the dedication of partners, speakers, and participants who continue to drive progress in the region’s MSME sector.
The event also featured a dynamic panel session, where young entrepreneurs shared their personal journeys, struggles, and successes. The panelists offered practical advice on funding, strategic growth, digital adaptation, and resilience, sparking engaging discussions and inspiring upcoming business owners in attendance.
The 2025 Niger Delta MSME Summit concluded with renewed enthusiasm among participants, many expressing optimism that the support provided would significantly advance entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
