The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) is set to host a business summit and boot camp in Rivers State to commemorate this year’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day. The event, which is expected to draw over 1,000 young professionals from the Niger Delta region, aims to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance beyond the oil sector.
Event Details:
– Date: Next week
– Location: Rivers State
– Theme: “Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance Beyond Oil”
Objectives:
The summit aims to create a platform for young professionals to exchange ideas on supporting MSMEs, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The event will address challenges such as lack of governmental support, poor MSME management, high-interest loans, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.
Key Speakers:
Summy Smart Francis – President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.)
Engr. Temitope Runsewe – CEO of Dutum Company Limited
Mrs. Esther F. Adebayo – President of Women Agro Processors, Agricgen, and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN)
Mr. Otuya Okecha – MD/CEO of Firbesol Nigeria Limited
Dr. Martins Fregene- Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank
Previous Editions:
– 2021: Inaugural summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; over 400 Niger Deltans benefited from NIRSAL Intervention Loans in agriculture, creative industry, and ICT. NDYP also awarded grants to innovative businesses.
– 2022: Held in Asaba, Delta State.
– 2023: Held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Highlights for This Year’s Event:
– Product Exhibitions: Showcase of various products by small businesses.
– Grants: Financial support for innovative business ideas.
– Boot Camp: Intensive training sessions for entrepreneurs.
– Main-Stage Keynotes: Speeches by prominent business leaders and innovators.
– Panel Discussions: Interactive discussions on MSME development.
– Master Sessions**: In-depth training on specific business skills.
– Business-to-Business Meetings: Networking opportunities for business partnerships.
– Mentoring Sessions: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.
– Networking Opportunities: Engage with top entrepreneurs, strategists, and business leaders.
Convener’s Statement:
Moses Siloko Siasia, the convener of the summit, emphasized the initiative’s success despite various challenges. He noted that the summit provides sustainable impacts by supporting and promoting entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta region.
This year’s NDYP summit and boot camp promise to be a significant event, providing young professionals with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to drive economic growth and sustainability beyond the oil sector.
