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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed dedication to promoting economic growth in the Niger Delta region via targeted empowerment programmes.
During a one-day workshop focused on the creation of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) held at Axari Hotel in Calabar, the NDDC’s Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the commitment.
Speaking through Cross River State NDDC Commissioner Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Chief Ogbuku explained that NDCCITMA aims to enhance the region’s economic landscape by offering essential support to businesses and entrepreneurs struggling to meet the requirements of traditional banks and lending institutions.
He emphasised that this initiative seeks to unlock the region’s economic potential and promote sustainable development.
“The NDCCITMA initiative is ready to initiate significant changes in the transport, manufacturing, mining, and agricultural sectors,” he stated, adding that the chamber will play a crucial role in fostering a stable environment for business success.
Chief Ogbuku reassured stakeholders that NDDC, through NDCCITMA, will fulfill its mission of driving socioeconomic development in the area, with a emphasis on inclusivity and grassroots improvement.
A consultant for the chamber, Chief Solomon Edebiri, noted that the NDCCITMA initiative arises from the NDDC’s desire to deliver development at the grassroots.
He pointed out that the chamber will not only enhance business operations but also strengthen the overall economy of the Niger Delta.
He further elaborated on the chamber’s advantages, stating that NDCCITMA will provide access to capacity-building programmes, including training, internships and apprenticeships, noting that the chamber will facilitate business integration through membership, promoting collaboration and unity.
“We are inventing new business practices and applying global standards to position the Niger Delta as a centre of economic excellence.
“Membership is open to entrepreneurs and individuals from various sectors, including oil and gas, marine, agriculture, mining and energy,” he said.
Executive Director of Projects at NDDC, Victor Antai, explained that NDCCITMA aims to serve as a link for micro and macro enterprises, helping them to become more competitive.
“The chamber is structured to uplift small businesses, ensuring they can withstand economic challenges and emerge more resilient,” Antai asserted, urging startups and new entrepreneurs to leverage this opportunity for valuable business insights and growth.
The sensitisation workshop, which has already taken place in various Niger Delta states such as Port Harcourt, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, serves to educate entrepreneurs about the opportunities that NDCCITMA offers.
The workshop, attended by a diverse group of business representatives, government officials, and stakeholders, included insightful presentations and interactive discussions, providing a platform for participants to connect with experts, gain insights on business growth, and understand the strategic direction of the NDDC’s development agenda.
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The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, says its troops destroyed no fewer than 15 illegal crude oil refining sites and arrested 10 suspects in different parts of the Niger Delta region.
The Army said the sites destroyed are in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, adding that about 15,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered during the operation.
The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt-Col. Jonah Danjuma disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Sunday.
The statement read, “In the latest push, troops have effectively deactivated over 15 illegal refining sites, arrested 10 suspects, dismantled over 30 cooking pots, intercepted eleven vehicles, and several boats and confiscated over 115,000 litres of stolen products in various operations conducted in the region.”
The 6 Division spokesman stated that these were in addition to the recovery of several ancillary items used for economic sabotage in the joint operation area.
The statement read further, “In Rivers State, following a tip-off on oil theft around Siat Farm, Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area, troops mobilised to the scene and intercepted a truck with Reg. No GDD 831 ZN Anambra loaded with about 40,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Similarly, at Sankri in Okrika LGA, the operations led to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites and, the destruction of two wooden boats with over 26,500 litres of stolen products recovered. This feat was also recorded at Dapama in Bille general area, Degema LGA, where over four illegal refining sites were taken out, two wooden boats stocked with over 10,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 6,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.
“At the stretch of the Imo riverside, troops identified and destroyed several illegal refining sites, makeshift structures in camps, with one big pot, over 30 cooking drum pots dismantled. Others included the destruction of 4 wooden boats, One fibre boat and over 15,000 litres of stolen crude around Okoloma, Obuzor and Ukwa Creeks which were handled appropriately in line with the subsisting mandate.
“Relatedly, at Freedom Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered a pipeline vandalisation site, where 3 gas cylinders were recovered. Further exploitation in the area, led to the arrest of one suspect,” among others.
Danjuma noted that a trailer which had siphoned crude from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Oil pipeline at Ozoro in Isioko North LGA, was intercepted in Delta State, and two persons were “arrested in connection to the crime,” among others.