The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reinforced its commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by equipping women in Akwa Ibom State with entrepreneurial skills, business development knowledge and access to opportunities aimed at fostering economic independence.
Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Uyo, the Commission’s Director in Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Evong Evong, said the initiative reflected the NDDC’s sustained investment in human capital development and its resolve to empower women as drivers of economic growth across the Niger Delta.
He noted that the annual International Women’s Day celebration had become a fixture in the Commission’s calendar, adding that this year’s programme aptly reflected the global theme, “Rights, Justice and Action for Women and Girls.”
According to Evong, women deserve equal opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs, exporters and key contributors to national development.
“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 said.
He urged participants to register with the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to benefit from business advisory services, mentorship programmes and low-interest financing designed to help small businesses grow.
Evong maintained that empowering women would translate into stronger families, more resilient communities and sustainable economic development across the region.
The event featured expert sessions on health, entrepreneurship and export opportunities.
Head of Business Development at the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Aaron Michael King, highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare for women entrepreneurs, stressing the need for regular medical examinations to detect and manage conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy-related complications and menopause-related health challenges.
He observed that maintaining good health remained critical to business productivity and long-term success.
Also speaking, Mrs. Christiana Sylvanus of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) exposed participants to practical strategies for accessing international markets, overcoming export challenges, identifying high-demand products and leveraging opportunities in global trade.
The Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, delivered a lecture on business growth and sustainability, encouraging participants to adopt sound management practices capable of ensuring the long-term viability of their enterprises.
Participants commended the Commission for the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful.
Mrs. Atim Okon Efiong said the programme had broadened her understanding of entrepreneurship and exposed her to practical opportunities for business expansion.
Another participant, Mrs. Ubong Roslyn, said the health lecture had underscored the importance of routine medical check-ups, noting that good health was indispensable to entrepreneurial success.
