Niger Delta Must Shift From Oil to Enterprise Economy — Dr Chima Anyaso Tells Stakeholders
“Dr Chima Anyaso has called for a national shift from oil dependency to MSME-driven growth, urging Niger Delta youths to lead Nigeria’s transition to an enterprise economy during the Niger Delta Youth Summit in Bayelsa.”
Renowned Abia-born entrepreneur, philanthropist and grassroots politician, Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, has urged economic stakeholders across the country to shift national focus from oil dependency to the rapid development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Delivering a keynote address at the Niger Delta Youth Summit organised by the Niger Delta Young Professionals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he served as Special Guest Speaker, Dr Anyaso insisted that Nigeria’s economic future lies in the strength of its small businesses rather than in new oil discoveries.
According to him, “If Nigeria will truly rise, it will not be because of another oil well. It will be because of thousands of small businesses that grow, formalise, scale and begin to employ our people.”
Dr Anyaso lamented that despite the Niger Delta’s decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s crude oil wealth, the region still battles unemployment, environmental degradation and poverty. He stressed the need for a new economic direction.
In his words, “For decades, the Niger Delta has powered Nigeria with crude oil. Yet we all know that too many of our people still live with unemployment, pollution and poverty. The next chapter of our story must be different. We must move from an oil economy to an enterprise economy where the real pipelines are not just carrying crude to the ports, but carrying ideas to the market, products to customers and value to the world.”
Highlighting the strategic role of young entrepreneurs in driving this transformation, he added:
“That transition will not be led from Abuja or from multinational boardrooms. It will be led by you – the fashion designer in Yenagoa, the fish farmer in Otuoke, the software developer in Port Harcourt, the logistics company in Warri, the food processing business in Uyo, the creative entrepreneur in Asaba.”
Speaking as an entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings, Dr Anyaso noted that his personal journey is proof that success is achievable from the Niger Delta.
“It is possible to build from the Niger Delta and do business across Nigeria and beyond. It is possible to create jobs, support education, give back through foundations, and still grow your enterprise,” he said.
He concluded with optimism about the region’s future:
“For many years, the Niger Delta has been described only in terms of oil, conflict and protests. I believe a time is coming — and is already here — when this region will be described in terms of innovation, enterprise and prosperity.”
The statement was issued by Hon. Chief Emenike Okorie, FCA (Omenma), a political scientist from Nnamdi Azikiwe University; public affairs analyst; social media influencer; poet, author and prolific writer; former Deputy Chairman of Bende LGA; Chairman of Bende Youths’ Consultative Forum; and Coordinator of Abia North Grassroots Leaders Forum.
