Silicon Delta Innovation Hub celebrates MSME Day with Moses Siasia

In commemoration of World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day, celebrated globally on June 27, Silicon Delta Innovation Hub, the cutting-edge innovation hub in the Niger Delta, received a notable visit from Moses Siloko Siasia, Chairman of Heritage Times, founder of Niger Delta Young Professionals Forum, and Mosilo Group, during the week. This visit underscored the vital role of innovative solutions in addressing the region’s economic challenges and high youth unemployment rates.

The Niger Delta has long struggled with economic instability and soaring youth unemployment. Silicon Delta Innovation Hub, under the visionary leadership of Oseyomon Ighodaloh, has positioned itself as a beacon of hope, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to create sustainable economic opportunities for the region’s youth.

“The work being done here at Silicon Delta is remarkable and is a beacon of hope for the Niger Delta,” Siasia remarked. “Their innovative approach to economic development and youth empowerment is exactly what our region needs, especially on a week like this when we are commemorating the World MSME Day, which underscores the importance of small businesses.”

Addressing newsmen after the working visit, Siasia emphasised the potential impact of Silicon Delta Innovation Hub on the Niger Delta and beyond. He praised the hub’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship and highlighted the importance of collaboration for future growth. “We must leverage the incredible work being done here and form partnerships to amplify our impact. The potential for meaningful change through collaboration with Silicon Delta is immense.”

Siasia also took the opportunity to sensitise young people at the hub about the upcoming Niger Delta MSME conference, which took place a few days after his visit. The conference featured several notable speakers, including representatives from the Bank of Industry (BOI), African Development Bank (AFDB), Engr. Felix O. Ogbe, Executive Secretary NCDMB, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, MD/CEO NDC, Summy Smart, President of Africa Young Entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders. “This conference is an excellent platform for young entrepreneurs to learn, network, and gain access to resources that can help them succeed,” Siasia noted.

During the visit, Siasia and Ighodaloh engaged in in-depth discussions about potential collaborations to maximise Silicon Delta’s impact. They emphasised the importance of collective action, aligning with Goal 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which promotes partnerships to drive sustainable development.

“We’re thrilled to have Mr. Siasia here on World MSME Day and to explore ways we can work together,” Ighodaloh stated. “Our mission at Silicon Delta Innovation Hub is to harness the power of innovation to tackle the economic issues and high unemployment rates that plague our region. Through collaboration, we can amplify our impact and drive substantial change.”

Siasia’s tour of the Silicon Delta facility showcased the hub’s extensive capabilities. From cutting-edge tech labs to collaborative workspaces, video production studio, music studio, AI and robotics studio, the hub is designed to nurture innovative ideas and bring them to fruition. Projects on display included tech-driven agricultural solutions, renewable energy initiatives, and various start-ups poised to address local challenges.

“Seeing the breadth of work being done here is truly inspiring,” Siasia remarked during the tour. “Silicon Delta is not just about ideas; it’s about practical, impactful solutions that can transform our economy. It’s essential that we support and expand these initiatives.”

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to future partnerships aimed at leveraging Silicon Delta’s innovative solutions to address the economic challenges in the Niger Delta. Both Siasia and Ighodaloh expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful change through collaboration.

As the Niger Delta continues to face economic and employment challenges, the partnership between stakeholders and forward-thinking hubs like Silicon Delta represents a promising path forward. By fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and encouraging collaborative action, Silicon Delta is poised to drive positive change and create a brighter future for the region’s youth. The call for support from the government and international agencies is clear: investing in hubs like Silicon Delta is crucial for the sustainable development and empowerment of Africa’s youth.