By Philip Ezuma, Port Harcourt
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for its support towards the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Chinyere Ekumaru, stated this at the NDCCITMA sensitization programme in Owerri, the Imo State capital. He described the Chambers of Commerce as a tool for developing the Niger Delta region, noting that it would fast-track growth and opportunities for the people of the region.
According to the Governor, “as we strive for a prosperous and sustainable future, we recognise the important roles commerce, trade, industry, mines and agriculture play in driving growth and creating opportunities. It is important to commend the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his brilliant vision in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He observed that the vision of the NDDC, which was in tandem with the socio-economic programmes of his administration, would bring about the needed development where businesses thrived, jobs created and communities flourished.
Also speaking at the occasion, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by the Imo State Director, Sir Kelechi Nwelue reiterated the commitment of the NDDC board to the development of the people of the region through genuine economic empowerment programmes.
He said: “One of the ways we are economically empowering our people is by creating the Chambers of Commerce, knowing its impact on the business communities. In our avowed commitment to reposition the capital and investment potentials of the region and provide a sustainable structure and through which established entrepreneurs, investors and struggling businesses can advance their aspirations, we decided to promote the NDCCITMA. ”
The NDDC boss explained that the commission has entered into a strategic collaboration with NDCCITMA that was sealed by a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU.
He maintained that the successful establishment of NDCCITMA by NDDC would complement other agricultural programmes of the Commission.
Ogbuku said the NDDC was set to establish a well-structured internship placement system that would assist young graduates upon completion of their academic career.
While calling on NDCCITMA to design industry-friendly skill development programmes, he urged the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, formal and informal business communities and individuals seeking for financial support to register with NDCCITMA for possible intervention.
The NDDC boss further posited that the commission is set to give priority to entrepreneurs and contractors that were fully registered with the NDCCITMA.
He stated: “Let me emphasise that the vision behind the establishment of NDCCITMA is in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at enabling an assured future for the people of the nation. I want to encourage all Chambers of commerce within the region to work closely with NDCCITMA as I am confident in the capacity of the Chamber of Commerce.”