LET'S CONTROL OUR INTERNAL ECONOMY VERSUS THE EXTERNAL ECONOMY, IF WE WANT A GOOD ECOSYSTEM FOR ALL — EX-BLOGGER, DIDI-OMAH AUGUSTINE CHINAZAEKPERE TELLS RIVERS GOVERNMENT

Ex-blogger, Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere, called on Rivers State government to take decisive action in balancing the internal and external economies to create a stable and thriving ecosystem for all residents.

Didi-Omah stressed on the importance of prioritizing the internal economy, which includes local businesses, infrastructure, and the workforce, over external economic factors such as federal government supports, international trade and foreign investments. According to him, while external economies bring opportunities, over-depending on them could destroy the long-term stability of the state’s economy.

“We need to focus on what we can control—our internal economy,” Didi-Omah said. “By supporting our local businesses, improving infrastructure, and investing in our people, we can create an economy that is resilient and self-sustaining. The external economy should add to improve our internal efforts, not controlling or influencing them.”

Didi-Omah’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of global economic fluctuations, internal hardship, high cost of living and the impacts of an over-dependence on the oil and gas industry. He urged the state government to take proactive measures to diversify the economy and reduce its vulnerability to external shocks.

He further highlighted the need for the government to implement policies that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and local production. “We have the resources, the talent, and the potential right here in our Rivers State. It’s time we control and use them fully,” Didi-Omah added.

The entrepreneur’s call to action resonates with many local business owners and residents who believe that a strong internal economy is key to the state’s prosperity. By focusing on internal growth while strategically engaging with external opportunities, Rivers State can build a robust economic ecosystem that benefits all.

“Small businesses control the GDP of our state, we need to create an ecosystem to protect and groom them effective. Internal economy is the foundation we build on”, Didi-Omah added.

The internal economy refers to everything we can manage within our borders—our local industries, the skills of our people, and the efficiency of our businesses. Didi-Omah argues that the Rivers State Government must focus on nurturing these elements. By improving local infrastructure, investing in education, and supporting small businesses, the government can create a robust internal economy that is less dependent on external forces.

He further shares a simple yet profound truth: when we control our internal economy, we’re not just boosting profits; we’re building resilience. In a world where external factors are often unpredictable, having a strong internal economy means that Rivers State can weather economic storms and emerge even stronger.

External economy is the opportunities we seize: the external economy consists of those elements beyond our direct control—federal government, international trade, global markets, and foreign investments. While these are crucial for growth, Didi-Omah warns against over-dependance. He believes that the Rivers State Government should see the external economy as an opportunity to be leveraged, not a crutch to lean on.

By striking a balance, where the internal economy is solid and the external economy is an added advantage, Rivers State can create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone—from the grassroots entrepreneur to the established corporation.

Didi-Omah's message is: Rivers State needs a balanced approach to economic development. He calls on the government to focus on what can be controlled—nurturing local businesses, investing in the people, and creating an encouraging environment for innovation and growth. At the same time, he encourages leveraging external opportunities to add and improves the internal economy, rather than depending fully on them.

In doing so, Rivers State can build a strong healthy economy that not only sustains itself but also thrives in the face of external challenges. This vision of a balanced economy isn’t just for today—it’s a roadmap for future generations to prosper in a stable, fast developing and flourishing Rivers State.

Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere’s remarks are expected to spark discussions among policymakers, business leaders, and the wider community on the best strategies to achieve sustainable economic development in Rivers State.