Founder of the Niger Delta Young Professionals, Moses Siasia, has reaffirmed the vital role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving job creation and long-term economic growth in Nigeria.
Siasia made this known in a statement on Tuesday ahead of the fifth Niger Delta MSME Summit, scheduled for December 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
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According to him, MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and strengthening them is essential for tackling unemployment and supporting innovation across the country. He said this year’s summit would bring together more than 1,000 young entrepreneurs and business owners to build their capacity through mentorship, exhibitions, panel sessions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities.
Siasia explained that the summit aims to equip MSMEs with the knowledge, tools, and support systems required to expand their businesses and create more jobs in the Niger Delta.
He recalled that previous editions of the summit helped participants secure grants and funding, including the NIRSAL Intervention Loan, which supported over 400 entrepreneurs in 2021.
Adding that Nigeria must embrace emerging sectors such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and the knowledge economy, stressing that MSMEs would continue to be central to this transition.
However, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri will serve as the chief host of the 2025 edition, while the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, is expected as guest of honour. Other dignitaries anticipated at the summit include Usoro Akpabio of the South South Development Commission, Bank of Industry MD Olasupo Olusi, and Bank of Agriculture chief Ayodeji Sotinrin.
