The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) has announced that it has awarded 650 business grants, created 20,000 jobs, and provided free mentorship opportunities to entrepreneurs through its annual Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Summit.
The fifth edition of the summit, held on Tuesday in Yenagoa, brought together young innovators, policymakers, and business leaders for discussions on strengthening enterprise capacity across the region. This year’s theme was “Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as a Driver of Sustainable Growth and Innovation.”
Speaking at the event, Convener of NDYP, Mr. Moses Siasia, said the organisation’s interventions were designed to build resilient businesses capable of driving long-term development.
“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,” he said.
Siasia urged young entrepreneurs to apply lessons from the summit to scale their ventures, describing them as key change-makers in the region’s economic future.
Representing Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, reaffirmed government support for initiatives that equip young people for economic participation.
“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,” Ayawei said. He also commended NDYP for its consistent role in nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. George Omoraro, Founder and CEO of Rage Media, encouraged participants to embrace personal development and resilience.
“Our environment is not a limitation… it is you and your reactions that matter most, not the environment,” he said, urging entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities.
The Summit Coordinator, Mr. Gerald Sogorge, in his welcome address, acknowledged the support of partners, speakers, and participants, noting that their collaboration continued to strengthen MSME development efforts across the Niger Delta.
