The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has been encouraged by the Niger Delta Development Commission to focus more on fostering human capital in the Niger Delta region.
When a group from PHCCIMA paid her a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the NDDC, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, made the call.
Onochie praised the Chamber for its progress but pointed out that more needed to be done to improve the human capital of the Niger Delta.
She remarked, “Only experts like you who own your own businesses can develop the people of the Niger Delta region.
“Development is more than just creating and maintaining physical infrastructure. The development of our human capital is equally essential for development. You can count on our assistance.”
In his remarks, PHCCIMA President. Eze Mike Elechi remarked that the organization represented approximately 20,000 members of Rivers State’s organized private sector.
“We want to work with you to build micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Rivers State and the Niger Delta area. In order to teach people in micro, small, and medium firms, we must collaborate with the NDDC. Additionally, we are asking for your financial assistance in the 2023 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair.”
The Chairman of the NDDC Board urged youths in the Niger Delta area to concentrate on gaining essential skills that would empower them while speaking to a delegation from the National Youth Council of Nigeria South-South Zone in her office.
Onochie counseled young people to learn about farming, coding, and artificial intelligence in order to lessen their reliance on white-collar occupations.
She remarked that the day of sole reliance on academic credentials was ended and gave advice to young people to supplement their credentials with useful abilities.
Given that the Niger Delta is the poorest region in Nigeria, NYCN President, Okorie Kenneth thanked the NDDC Chairman for welcoming them. He said that the majority of the country’s youth experience economic hardship.
He urged collaboration between the NDDC and the NYCN to address youth unrest through long-term empowerment initiatives.
Finally, Okorie urged the NDDC to directly involve young people in developing its programs for youth empowerment.
