Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture.

In a statement on Wednesday, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Director of Corporate Affairs, stated that the governor, who spoke for Dr John Etim, Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Trade and Investments, commended the NDCCITMA sensitization workshop in Uyo.

Eno said, “The chamber of commerce initiative aligned with the state government’s policy of promoting investments and entrepreneurship as critical drivers of economic development.”

Governor Eno explained the importance of collaborations in promoting investments to secure the future of Niger Delta people in the years beyond the oil-driven economy, noting that thinking beyond the oil era was a pathway to sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

According to the governor, the Niger Delta region is blessed with abundant natural resources, including rich arable land for agriculture.

“We have rich agricultural produce, such as palm oil for which we can be self-sufficient, as well as being a net exporter,” Eno added.

Ogbuku who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono, said, “The collaboration with the NDCCITMA would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs and support small and medium-scale enterprises.”

He urged  NDCCITMA to design industry-friendly skill development programmes and 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 future interventions.

The NDDC boss further mentioned that the commission would henceforth give priority to entrepreneurs and contractors that were duly registered with the NDCCITMA.

“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. I want to encourage all Chambers of Commerce within the region to work closely with NDCCITMA,” he declared.