Says Niger Delta MSMEs Hold the Key to Sustainable Growth and Innovation…
— Speaking at the 5th edition of the Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) Economic Summit, entrepreneur and Group Chairman of CAADES Group, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji), delivered a compelling call for a new economic direction for the Niger Delta—one driven not by crude oil, but by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Addressing an audience that included industry leaders, government representatives and young entrepreneurs, Dr. Anyaso expressed deep appreciation to the NDYP and its founder, Moses Siloko Siasia, for sustaining a platform that continues to shape economic conversations in the region. He described the summit as more than an event, noting that it contributes to “quietly rewriting the story of the Niger Delta.”
Anyaso emphasized that across the world, MSMEs form the backbone of national economies, creating jobs, driving innovation and circulating wealth within communities. He stressed that Nigeria’s economic future will depend not on additional oil wells but on the growth and scaling of thousands of small businesses that can transform their communities.
He highlighted the urgency of transitioning the region from an oil-dependent structure to what he termed an “enterprise economy,” where ideas, products and value—not crude oil—become the new pipelines powering development. He noted that this transformation would not emerge from federal or multinational command centres, but from everyday entrepreneurs across the Niger Delta: fashion designers in Yenagoa, fish farmers in Otuoke, software developers in Port Harcourt, logistics firms in Warri, food processors in Uyo and creative businesses in Asaba.
During his address, Anyaso outlined three critical mindset shifts necessary for MSMEs to drive sustainable growth. He urged entrepreneurs to move from survival to strategy by clearly defining their customer base, solving real problems and building systems that can scale. He called for a transition from informality to investability by registering businesses, keeping proper financial records and protecting intellectual property. Finally, he encouraged a shift from competition to collaboration, stressing that cooperation—through clusters, cooperatives and shared resources—creates ecosystems capable of competing globally.
Speaking on the summit theme, “Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation,” Anyaso explained that innovation must extend beyond technology to include improved processes, eco-friendly solutions, waste-to-value initiatives, digital market expansion under AfCFTA and professional services that strengthen both oil and non-oil sectors. He reminded participants that true innovation must preserve the land and waters of the Niger Delta for future generations.
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Sharing lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, Anyaso acknowledged that building a business requires resilience, discipline, integrity and the humility to rise after failure. He urged participants to fully engage with the summit, forge meaningful connections and implement at least one business improvement within the next 30 days.
He concluded with an optimistic vision for the Niger Delta, stating that the region will soon be known not for conflict or oil spills but for enterprise, innovation and shared prosperity. He commended NDYP for its consistent leadership and expressed special appreciation to Siasia for his commitment to youth empowerment.
The event reaffirmed the NDYP’s position as a catalyst for economic transformation, bringing together stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of Niger Delta businesses.
