The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion and expanding economic opportunities for women across the Niger Delta, as it commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day in the region.
Speaking at the Bayelsa State edition of the celebration in Yenagoa, the Commission’s Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said women remain at the heart of the NDDC’s development agenda because of their critical contributions to families, communities and national development.
The event, themed, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” underscored the Commission’s resolve to promote inclusive development through programmes that strengthen the social and economic wellbeing of women.
Imoni said the NDDC would continue to create opportunities that enable women to flourish while advocating equal participation in leadership and decision-making.
“Women are central to everything we do at the NDDC, and that is why we celebrate you every year.
Your contributions to peace-building, regional development and nationhood are enormous, and we remain committed to supporting and empowering you,” she said.
She stressed that empowering women creates a ripple effect of prosperity within communities through the transfer of wealth, skills and knowledge.
“With the commemoration of this day, we are asking for equal opportunities at the table for women.
When a woman is empowered, there is a transfer of both wealth and knowledge to her immediate community. Culture thrives when women thrive. This year, let us move from advocacy to action. It is not enough to attend these programmes; let us put the lessons into practice,” she added.
The celebration featured enterprise development sessions designed to equip women with practical skills for business growth and competitiveness.
Secretary of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce (NDCC), Chief Solomon Edebiri, who delivered a presentation on “Strengthening Local Enterprises for Global Trade Opportunities,” urged entrepreneurs to embrace sustainable business practices by reducing operating costs, maintaining ethical standards and nurturing future business leaders.
Also speaking, Mrs Sylvia Adeneye of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) encouraged participants to explore opportunities in the non-oil export sector.
Speaking on “Non-Oil Export Opportunities and Export Readiness,” she urged women entrepreneurs to register with the NEPC to benefit from export support services, including participation in international trade exhibitions.
Lead Consultant at Healing Arms Foundation, Omusuo Dieworio, commended the NDDC for sustaining programmes that promote gender inclusion and women’s empowerment across the region.
Participants described the initiative as timely and impactful.
One of them, Mrs Ebiere Abe, said the programme had strengthened the confidence of women entrepreneurs and equipped them with new strategies for business expansion.
“We appreciate the NDDC for recognising the contributions of women and creating a platform that empowers and amplifies our voices. We are returning to our businesses better equipped and determined to expand our ventures,” she said.
