ASABA/Nigeria: The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori, has called on entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace technology as a vital tool for wealth creation, business expansion, and sustainable development.
Amori 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. The conference, themed “Leveraging on Technology for Business Growth and Expansion,” brought together key stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and government officials.
In his goodwill message, Senator Amori commended NASME for what he described as “an impactful initiative aimed at empowering Deltans with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
He noted that 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,” Amori said, “but also redefining how we create wealth, sustain enterprises, and build inclusive prosperity.”
The Chief Adviser emphasized that the conference’s theme aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. He noted that the Delta State Government is already 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 as a technology-driven economy where creativity meets opportunity,” Amori said.
He encouraged participants to fully embrace digital tools to improve competitiveness and market access, stressing that technology offers limitless opportunities for startups and small-scale enterprises. “When properly harnessed, technology 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 Oborevwori administration’s commitment to supporting business innovation through strategic partnerships, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion initiatives. He emphasized that Delta 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, noting that technological advancement continues to reshape global business operations.
According to her, “The choice of this year’s theme gladdens my heart, especially at this time when artificial intelligence is fast becoming the key enabler of business growth and expansion. Those who refuse to learn are being kicked out of the marketplace.”
Highlighting the achievements of the Delta NASME chapter since its establishment in 2024, Nwachukwu disclosed that membership has grown from two to nearly 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 space, lack of mobility, and limited funding for the association’s cooperative society, appealing for support from the state government and development partners.
The conference attracted a cross-section of government officials, entrepreneurs, and key players in the SME sector, who engaged in discussions on how best to harness emerging technologies to drive business growth, competitiveness, and economic resilience in Delta State.
