The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged youths in the Niger Delta region to seize opportunities provided by the Port Harcourt Tech Expo to create wealth, secure employment, and drive innovation.

Speaking during a two-day technology conference and exhibition organised by TechNexus Limited, and sponsored by the NDDC in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku urged young people to take ownership of their future by leveraging platforms like the Tech Expo to develop skills and build sustainable careers.

Ogbuku highlighted the importance of the Tech Expo, stating that it was designed to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore emerging technologies and key into shaping the region’s future.

He stated: “The NDDC’s active role in initiatives such as the Port Harcourt Tech Expo reflects a strategic move toward building a digitally empowered generation and reinforcing the Commission’s vision of a technology-driven, inclusive development agenda for the Niger Delta.

“This event brings together technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors from various sectors, fostering collaboration, knowledge- sharing, and the exploration of investment opportunities within the vibrant tech ecosystem of the Niger Delta.”

Ogbuku declared that the NDDC was prepared to collaborate with relevant organisations to create platforms for youth training and empowerment in tech-related fields.

Addressing the theme of the event, ‘Syntropy’, Ogbuku stated: “No one will plan your future for you. While the government has a responsibility to create an enabling environment, it is your responsibility to seize the opportunities it provides. This expo is one such opportunity.”

“In NDDC, we have been actively involved in promoting and supporting technological advancements in the region, recognising the immense potential it holds for economic growth and development. The Niger Delta is home to a diverse community of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups, who are driving innovation across various technological fields.”

According to the NDDC boss, “the Niger Delta region has witnessed remarkable progress in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Through targeted initiatives, the Niger Delta Development Commission has played a pivotal role in empowering local talents, fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, and creating an enabling environment for tech advancement.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Israel Egbunefu, underscored the important role of innovation in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Egbunefu urged young people to invest intellectually in their futures and called for a shift in national priorities from crude oil dependency to technology adoption.

He charged the youths to be focused and come to terms with the fact that “Technology is the new oil.”

The Managing Director of TechNexus, Belema George, affirmed that the Tech Expo would promote technology-driven economic growth in Rivers State and the South-South region.

He explained that the theme of the 2026 Tech Expo was derived from the concept of constructive synergy, reflecting the belief that collaboration among innovators, investors, and institutions could accelerate regional development.

George said the partnership with the NDDC aligned with the Commission’s mandate to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta through innovation and strategic investments.

• PHOTO: NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right), inspecting one of the exhibition stands during a two-day technology conference, Port Harcourt Tech Expo in the Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.

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