By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, along with other dignitaries, are expected to discuss the Niger Delta Region’s development beyond crude oil at the 5th Edition of the Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit, set to take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event’s organizer, Moses Siloko Siasia, who doubles as Chairman of Mosilo Group and Heritage Times HT, said in a press release that innovative and sustainable solutions to improve livelihoods will also be a focus. He stated that Diri will be the Chief Host and Ogbuku the Special Guest of Honor at the event, billed for December 9.
Also expected as Special Guests are Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC); Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture; and multi-industry business leader George Omoraro.
Prominent Niger Delta stakeholders across government, development institutions, and the private sector are also expected to attend the summit, which is an initiative of the Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) and is expected to draw over 1,000 young professionals and business owners from across the oil-rich region.
Siasia said the summit has positively impacted thousands of small business owners, providing them with opportunities, grants, access to funding, mentorship, and strategic business linkages.
“The initiative has grown into one of the region’s most impactful platforms for entrepreneurship development, despite persistent challenges posed by government bureaucracy, poor management of small businesses, high-interest bank loans, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.
According to Siasia, this year’s theme, “Enhancing The Role Of MSMEs As Drivers Of Sustainable Growth And Innovation,” underscores the growing importance of small businesses in shaping the region’s future. The organizers say the summit has helped bridge gaps in youth unemployment and economic exclusion by enabling MSMEs to expand, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to local economies.
At the inaugural edition in 2021, for instance, more than 400 participants benefited from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan in agricultural enterprises, while the NDYP provided grants to several innovative ventures. The statement noted that the region stands to gain more from emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, renewable energy, information technology, and the broader knowledge economy.
By focusing on these areas, Siasia believes MSMEs can play a central role in driving prosperity and sustainable development across the region. The 5th Niger Delta MSME Summit will feature a full day of exhibitions, keynote addresses, panel conversations, mentorship engagements, business-to-business interactions, and networking opportunities designed to expand the capacity of young entrepreneurs. Participation will be strictly through registration and invitation, with attendees expected to fall within the age bracket of 20 to 45 years.
The organizers reaffirm that this year’s summit represents another significant step toward creating a more inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant Niger Delta, driven by empowered small business owners who are ready to shape the region’s future.
