Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and promoting gender equality across the Niger Delta, unveiling fresh initiatives aimed at equipping women with the skills and resources needed to thrive in agriculture, entrepreneurship and international trade.
The commitment was reiterated during the Commission’s 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held in Owerri, Imo State, where officials highlighted ongoing investments in capacity-building programmes designed to improve women’s participation in economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Kyrian Uchegbu, disclosed that the Commission had introduced an Agricultural Investment Fund specifically targeted at women, stressing that beneficiaries would first receive practical training before accessing financial support.
According to him, the capacity-building programme was intentionally designed to prepare women to effectively manage available funding opportunities and maximize their business potential.
“This International Women’s Day training for Imo State women is a preparatory programme in view of what the NDDC is ready to do for them. If we do not prepare them before they access the funds, they may not get it right,” Uchegbu said.
He added that the initiative would also expose women entrepreneurs to opportunities in the export of agro-based products, positioning them to compete beyond local markets.
Focus on Sustainable Economic Growth
The latest initiative reflects the Commission’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive economic development by supporting women-owned businesses and improving access to investment opportunities.
Over the years, stakeholders have argued that women remain central to the development of communities across the Niger Delta, particularly in agriculture, commerce and small-scale enterprises. However, many continue to face barriers including limited access to finance, inadequate business knowledge and poor market linkages.
By combining financial support with entrepreneurship training, the NDDC says it hopes to improve business sustainability and reduce the risks associated with startup financing.
Women Driving National Development
Also addressing participants, NDDC Director of the Imo State Office, Patrick Obayelu, described International Women’s Day as more than a celebration, saying it provides an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions women continue to make across different sectors.
He noted that women have distinguished themselves in leadership, governance, education, healthcare, science, business and community development, adding that their resilience and innovation continue to strengthen families and national institutions.
Obayelu emphasized that achieving genuine gender equality would require collaboration among governments, development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector.
According to him, creating a society where women and girls can thrive without discrimination demands sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
Imo Government Commends Initiative
The Imo State Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Chioma Egu, commended the NDDC for extending the International Women’s Day programme to the state.
She described the initiative as timely, noting that the knowledge shared during the training would enable women to improve both their personal and business development.
Egu urged participants to fully utilize the opportunity by applying the practical lessons learned to strengthen their enterprises and improve household incomes.
Experts Train Women on Export Opportunities
A major highlight of the programme was technical training delivered by industry experts.
Officials from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) introduced participants to the requirements for building export-ready businesses, explaining quality standards, packaging, certification and international market access.
Similarly, the Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Solomon Edebiri, delivered lectures on business growth, sustainability and strategies for expanding small enterprises.
The sessions focused on helping women transform small businesses into competitive enterprises capable of accessing regional and international markets.
Participants Welcome Programme
Beneficiaries described the training as practical and impactful.
One of the participants, Nkiruka Nwosu, who operates an interior decoration business, said the programme equipped her with better knowledge of staff management, financial planning and business sustainability.
She expressed appreciation to the Commission, saying the lessons would help improve the long-term growth of her enterprise.
Similar Programme Holds in Abia
In Umuahia, Abia State, the Commission organized a similar International Women’s Day programme.
Speaking there, the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Ahunna Imoni, described women as indispensable partners in national development.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating opportunities that would enable women to succeed in business and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Imoni encouraged women to embrace innovation, develop sustainable businesses and take advantage of available opportunities aimed at improving their economic independence.
She stressed that empowering women ultimately leads to stronger families, more resilient communities and sustainable regional development.
Promoting Gender Equality Through Action
The Commission’s renewed commitment aligns with the broader objectives of International Women’s Day, which advocates equal opportunities, economic inclusion and the removal of barriers preventing women from realizing their full potential.
Across Nigeria, governments, development institutions and private organizations continue to expand programmes targeting female entrepreneurs through skills acquisition, digital literacy, agricultural development and access to finance.
Development experts argue that increasing women’s participation in economic activities not only improves household incomes but also contributes significantly to national GDP growth and poverty reduction.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria seeks inclusive economic growth, initiatives such as the NDDC’s Agricultural Investment Fund and entrepreneurship training programmes are expected to play an important role in expanding opportunities for women across the Niger Delta.
Observers say sustained investment in education, mentorship, financing and market access will be critical to ensuring women-owned businesses become competitive, resilient and capable of contributing meaningfully to regional and national development.
With renewed commitments from government agencies and development partners, many stakeholders believe empowering women remains one of the most effective pathways toward achieving sustainable development and inclusive prosperity in Nigeria.
Sources: Punch Newspapers (NDDC statement).
