The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda by empowering women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to achieve economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking during the 2026 International Women's Day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC Director, Akwa Ibom State Office, Engr. Evong Evong said the Commission remained committed to human capital development, and providing women with the skills and support needed to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and contributors to economic development is one of the many initiatives of the Commission.

Evong noted that the annual celebration of International Women's Day had become a tradition in the NDDC, adding that this year's programme captured the essence of the theme: "Rights, Justice and Action for Women and Girls."

According to the Director, "Women have the right to stand alongside men as entrepreneurs, exporters and active contributors to society. The NDDC is committed to promoting justice by creating opportunities for women to access business support and loan facilities without discrimination. Beyond celebrating women, we are taking action by empowering them with the knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed."

He encouraged participants to register with the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, to access business support services, mentorship and low-interest financing that would help them expand their businesses.

Evong emphasised that women occupied a strategic position in economic development, noting that empowering women would lead to stronger families, prosperous communities, and sustainable regional development.

The Head of Business Development, Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Aaron Michael King, delivered a lecture on women's health, highlighting the importance of preventing and managing hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy-related health issues, menopause, and other health challenges. He urged participants to prioritise regular medical check-ups, stressing that good health remained essential for business success.

The representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mrs. Christiana Sylvanus, enlightened the participants on practical steps to simplify exportation, overcome challenges faced by exporters, identify foreign markets, understand product demand, and leverage international trade opportunities.

Also speaking, the Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Dr. Solomon Edebiri presented a lecture on Business Growth and Sustainability, urging participants to embrace sound management practices that would ensure long-term business success.

One of the participants, Mrs. Atim Okon Efiong expressed appreciation to the NDDC for organising the programme, describing it as an eye-opening experience that had equipped her with valuable entrepreneurial knowledge.

Another participant, Mrs. Ubong Roslyn, said the health session had inspired her to take regular medical check-ups seriously, noting that good health was indispensable for every successful entrepreneur.

•PHOTO: NDDC Director, Akwa Ibom State Office, Engr. Evong Evong (middle), joined by the Deputy Director, CRD, Mrs. Ndifreke Essien (left) and the Deputy Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Eno Ukpe (Right), during the 2026 International Women's Day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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