NDEIS host Economic Summit in Niger delta

In an effort to create sustainable livelihoods for the youth in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region, and to enhance trade and economic activities, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has partnered with the Niger Delta states to host a trade and investment expo.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State reaffirmed his commitment to harnessing the region’s abundant human capital and productive workforce to ensure that the youth have access to meaningful employment. He made this statement recently in Port Harcourt at the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, organized by KenEva Consult Ltd and Ken-Rich Global Consult Ltd.

Represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Ordu, the governor expressed his enthusiasm for initiatives driven by visionary youth leaders, noting that such efforts would help expand the state’s economic base and foster the creation of new entrepreneurs who can provide jobs for others.

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Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore CON, underscored the importance of collaborating with the states in the region to ensure that development reaches the grassroots level throughout the Niger Delta.

Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), praised the initiative as being aligned with the Commission’s goal to create self-employment opportunities for young people in the region. He also urged multinational companies to relocate their headquarters back to the region, asserting that operations in the Niger Delta are safe and secure.

Amb Kenule Nwiya, founder of NDEIS/NDIFTE, commended President Tinubu for his focus on the growth and development of the Niger Delta. He described the Economic and Investment Summit and Expo as strategically designed to benefit the oil-rich region. He also expressed gratitude to the governors of Niger Delta states for fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and empowering the youth.

Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Okoye emphasized the need for investment in public health to ensure a productive population. He called on governments nationwide to allocate a significant portion of their budgets to the health sector and advocated for collaboration among states in the Niger Delta to position the region as a hub for medical tourism.

Prince Haruna Momoh, CEO of Barat Petroleum, delivered a goodwill message highlighting the importance of regional and state partnerships to harness collective strengths for economic growth.

The event saw participation from notable organizations, including NG Eagle Airline and Save A Life Foundation, which used the trade expo to reach potential new markets.

Supported by the Ministry of Regional Development, formerly the Ministry of Niger Delta, the summit was attended by representatives from all 23 local government areas of Rivers State, led by ALGON Chairman and the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Honourable Ezebunwo Ichemati. Youth leaders, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and women’s organizations from the Niger Delta were also present.

Dr. Richard Okoye, chairman of the Save A Life Foundation, provided free medical consultations and treatments at the event.

The Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit serves as a precursor to the upcoming Niger Delta International Festival and Trade Expo, scheduled for December 16–22 at Urhobo College, Warri, Delta State.

A key highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of an investment pathway key, which was received by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who had earlier declared the summit open on behalf of the governor.