The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it will not relent in promoting women’s economic empowerment and gender equality through capacity-building programmes designed to prepare them for greater participation in agriculture, entrepreneurship and international trade.

Speaking during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Owerri, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, noted that the Commission had launched an Agricultural Investment Fund targeted at women.

According to him, “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.

“The importance of today’s programme is to prepare them to fit into the wide range of programmes that the NDDC has for them, including opportunities in the export of agro-based products.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Director, Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu, described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the need to promote gender equality and inclusive development.

He said: “International Women’s Day is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection. It provides an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contributions of women in leadership, governance, education, business, science, healthcare and community development. Their resilience, innovation and dedication continue to shape stronger families, communities and nations.”

He added that building a society where every woman and girl could thrive without barriers required collaboration among governments and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Imo State Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Dr. Chioma Egu, commended the NDDC for extending the programme to the state and creating opportunities for women to acquire knowledge that would enhance their personal and business development.

An official of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Anthony Aguruchi, trained participants on developing export-ready businesses. On his part, the Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Dr Solomon Edebiri, spoke on business growth and sustainability.

One of the participants, Mrs. Nkiruka Nwosu, expressed appreciation to the NDDC, noting that the training had provided practical knowledge that would improve the sustainability of her interior decoration business.

She said: “The teachings have been very enlightening for my business. I have learnt how to manage my staff and my finances to sustain my business.”

In a similar programme in Umuahia, the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, described women as indispensable partners in the development of families, communities and the nation, stressing that the Commission remained committed to creating opportunities that would enable them to excel.

She noted that the annual celebration reflected the Commission’s recognition of the resilience, creativity and industrious spirit of women across the Niger Delta.

According to her: “Women play critical roles in every sector of society, and the NDDC will continue to champion initiatives that promote their growth and economic independence. We encourage women to take bold steps in business, embrace innovation and seize available opportunities to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Mrs. Imoni urged women to build sustainable businesses, know their rights and strive for equal opportunities, emphasising that empowering women meant stronger families, thriving communities and sustainable regional development.

•PHOTO, L-R: The NDDC Director, Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu; the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni; and the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State.

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