Hundreds of women entrepreneurs in communities across Rivers and Akwa Ibom states are receiving a new lease of life through a financial literacy and empowerment programme designed to strengthen small businesses, improve household incomes and promote financial independence.
The initiative, sponsored by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and implemented through the Village Community Development Foundation (VCDF), forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at supporting sustainable economic development in its host communities.
The programme, which commenced last year, targeted about 1,000 women drawn from various host communities. Participants were trained in basic financial management and provided with start-up capital to establish micro-enterprises and improve their economic prospects.
According to the organisers, while many beneficiaries successfully utilised the funds and demonstrated measurable growth in their businesses, others failed to make productive use of the support. This informed the decision to focus the second phase of the programme on participants who had shown commitment and progress in their chosen ventures.
As part of the ongoing second phase, SEEPCO and VCDF selected an initial batch of 100 women for advanced training and additional support. Beyond financial education, participants received working tools, equipment, consumables and other essential materials needed to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The latest training, which began on May 22 and is expected to run for two weeks, covers key aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, budgeting, savings culture, pricing strategies, customer relations and financial record keeping. Participants are also being educated on responsible spending habits and access to financial services.
Speaking during the programme, the Village Head of Iwofe community, Chief Goodfellow Julius, commended SEEPCO and VCDF for what he described as a transformative intervention capable of improving livelihoods across the host communities.
He noted that the initiative distinguishes itself from conventional empowerment schemes by combining skills development with practical business support and financial knowledge, thereby giving beneficiaries the tools and confidence required to build sustainable enterprises.
“This programme goes beyond skills acquisition. It equips women with the knowledge, resources and confidence needed to establish and sustain businesses. The impact will be felt not only by the beneficiaries but also by their families and the wider community,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to SEEPCO and VCDF, describing the intervention as timely and life-changing.
One of the participants, Peace Emem, said the training had given her a fresh sense of purpose and the confidence to start her own business.
According to her, the knowledge acquired and the starter-pack support would enable her contribute more meaningfully to her family’s welfare while pursuing financial independence.
Observers say the programme reflects a growing recognition of the role women-owned micro and small enterprises play in driving grassroots economic growth, particularly in oil-producing communities where sustainable livelihood opportunities remain a critical development priority.
