The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori, has emphasized the need for entrepreneurs and small business owners to harness the power of technology as a tool for wealth creation and sustainable development.
He made the call on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual State Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) Delta State Chapter, held at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba, with the theme “Leveraging on Technology for Business Growth and Expansion.”
In his goodwill message, Senator Amori commended NASME for organizing what he described as “an impactful initiative aimed at empowering our people with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
According to him, “In a world where innovation drives progress, technology has become the backbone of modern business. It is not only changing the way we live and communicate but also redefining how we create wealth, sustain enterprises, and build inclusive prosperity.”
The Chief Adviser noted that the theme of the event aligns perfectly with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
He stated that the Delta State Government is creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive by integrating technology into governance, commerce, and enterprise development.
“From the automation of government services to the promotion of youth innovation hubs, e-governance systems, and digital entrepreneurship programs, Delta State is positioning itself to be a technology-driven economy where creativity meets opportunity,” Amori said.
Encouraging participants to embrace digital tools, the Chief Adviser noted that technology offers limitless opportunities for startups and small-scale enterprises. “Technology, when properly harnessed, gives small businesses the wings to fly beyond limitations. It helps our young entrepreneurs compete globally, tells our local stories to the world, and provides data-driven insights that make business decisions smarter and more sustainable,” he added.
Amori reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting business innovation through strategic partnerships, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion initiatives, stressing that Delta State should not only be known as a hub for oil and gas but also for digital excellence and enterprise.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of NASME Delta State Chapter, Lady Ojevwe Nwachukwu, described the conference as timely, coming at a period when technological advancement is reshaping global business operations.
She said, “The choice of this year’s theme gladdens my heart, especially at this time when AI is fast becoming the key enabler of business growth and expansion, and those who refuse to learn are being kicked out of the marketplace.”
Highlighting the chapter’s achievements since its establishment in 2024, Lady Nwachukwu disclosed that membership had grown from two to about 1,000 within a year, with over 40 members benefiting from the Bank of Industry loan facility and several others from the NDCIMA and Delta State Government’s market women fund.
She, however, identified challenges such as inadequate office facilities, lack of mobility, and limited funding for the association’s cooperative society, and appealed for support from the state government and partners.
The conference attracted government officials, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders in the SME sector, who engaged in discussions on how best to harness emerging technologies for business growth and competitiveness.
