Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku says the commission is committed to the growth of the economy of Niger Delta region. Dr. Ogbuku who made this known during the inauguration of Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA Board of Directors and unveiling of the logo in Port Harcourt Rivers State, explained that the commission took the initiative to build young entrepreneurs in the region.
The Managing Director, who was represented by the Executive Director Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, announced the release of ten billion naira for immediate take off of the chamber, out of thirty billion naira earmarked to be managed by NDCCITMA to grow businesses in the region.
The Managing Director, who assured that the remaining twenty billion naira would be released as the chamber progresses, insisted that Beneficiaries must register with Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, and NDCCITMA as prerequisite to accessing the funds.
He charged all NDDC contractors to register with the chamber, without which no consideration would be given to engage in any business with the commission henceforth.
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In a keynote address, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Otunba Dele Oye described the establishment of NDCCITMA as collaboration between government and private sector to grow the economy of Niger Delta region. Otumba Oye advised NDDC to insist that contractors of the commission register with NDCCITMA to facilitate the development of commerce in the region.
He stated that NACCIMA was set up to encourage entrepreneurship and make room for networking for business growth. The National president, who explained that NDCCITMA would enjoy access to facilities from partners on single digits, encouraged NDCCITMA to advise NDDC on the best way to achieve great milestones with limited funds.
On his part, Chairman NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan who told the people that the chamber would operate on integrity and accountability, expressed optimism of the resolve of NDCCITMA to create Jobs and open up opportunities for business development in Niger Delta region.
He stated that the chamber would support micro and medium-scale enterprises and advise business owners on ways to access funds to grow their businesses.
While stressing the need for networking among chambers and other stakeholders, the chairman expressed optimism about the vision of NDCCITMA to go global.
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Speaking on the journey so far, the consultant and Secretary of NDCCITMA, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, explained that it was a difficult task to get the Chamber of Commerce registered to be able to operate as an entity.
Mr. Edebiri, who stated that a strenuous sensitization campaign was embarked upon in all the mandate states, noted with joy that the idea of the chamber of commerce was well received by the people, judging by the turnout of participants in all the venues.
According to the secretary, NDCCITMA’s target was on the poorest of the poor, and those at the lowest ebb, to lift them from abject poverty to financial freedom.
In a goodwill message, the President of the South South Chamber of Commerce, Billy Gilis-Harry, promised that South South chambers of Commerce would collaborate with NDCCITMA to grow businesses in the region.
