A businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (OFUJI), has urged the Niger Delta region to embrace a decisive shift from oil dependency to an enterprise-driven economy.
He disclosed this at the 5th Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Summit, where he delivered a keynote address to an audience of policymakers, industry leaders and young innovators.
Commending the NDYP and its founder, Moses Siloko Siasia, for sustaining a platform that he said is “quietly rewriting the story of the Niger Delta,” Anyaso noted that the consistency of the summit demonstrates a deep commitment to youth empowerment and economic transformation.
Describing MSMEs as “the backbone of every serious economy,” he maintained that Nigeria’s future growth will not come from additional oil wells but from “thousands of small businesses that grow, formalise, scale, and employ our people.” Every entrepreneur in the region, he said, must see themselves as “economic transformers.”
Anyaso highlighted the paradox of a resource-rich region still struggling with unemployment, pollution and poverty. He argued that the Niger Delta’s next chapter must be defined by enterprise, where the “real pipelines” transport ideas, products and value, not crude oil.
He stressed that this transformation must begin at the grassroots, driven by local innovators such as fashion designers, farmers, software developers and other emerging entrepreneurs across the region.
The Abia-born technocrat, outlined three critical transitions necessary for MSMEs to thrive: From Survival to Strategy
He urged entrepreneurs to move beyond day-to-day survival and adopt long-term planning with clear goals, defined customer bases and competitive strengths.
He advised business owners to formalise their enterprises, maintain proper financial records, separate personal and business finances, and protect their intellectual property—steps that make them attractive to investors and partners.
According to him, the future belongs to collaborative ecosystems. He encouraged clusters, cooperatives and shared services to foster faster and stronger growth.
Speaking on the summit theme—“Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation”—Anyaso emphasized that innovation in the Niger Delta goes beyond technology. It includes converting agricultural waste to value, using digital tools to access AfCFTA markets, promoting environmentally friendly solutions and expanding non-oil sectors such as tourism, hospitality, creative industries, education and healthcare.
He urged entrepreneurs to pursue innovations that are both profitable and environmentally responsible to safeguard the region’s future.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial path, Anyaso acknowledged past challenges and failures that shaped his success. He encouraged participants to embrace discipline, integrity and resilience, reminding them that failure is not fatal for those who rise and persist.
He challenged attendees to implement at least one significant business improvement within the next 30 days and to view themselves as central stakeholders in building the region’s future.
Anyaso further expressed confidence that the Niger Delta will soon be recognized not for conflict or oil dependency but for innovation, enterprise and shared prosperity.
He applauded NDYP and Moses Siasia for their commitment to youth development, saying “history will be kind” to those building platforms for transformation.
He prayed for the region and the nation, reaffirming his belief that the true strength of the Niger Delta lies in its people and their entrepreneurial spirit.
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