The Niger Delta Young Professionals, NDYP, has said that the true strength of the region lies in its human capital, especially its youth.

The group said this while calling for a government and private sector supportive ecosystem to drive the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in the oil-rich region.

Coordinator of the NDYP, Mr. Gerald So-George made the call in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State, weekend, at the 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit.

He stressed that governments in the region must recognize that “our youths are our greatest assets.”

He added that a “viable ecosystem for government and the private sector to come together to further the growth and development of entrepreneurs in the region” must be created.

He said this included “the provision of capital (seed and low-cost financial options), mentorship, and grooming”.

He highlighted the dual identity of the Niger Delta: a region rich in resources, but beset by challenges such as environmental degradation, social unrest, and economic neglect.

He emphasized the untapped potential of the region’s human capital, particularly its young people, as a driving force for change.

“The true strength of this region lies in its human capital, especially its youth.

“As Nigeria moves towards economic diversification, there is an urgent need for the young population in the Niger Delta to embrace entrepreneurship,” So-George charged the youths.