NDDC Marks International Women’s Day, Renews Commitment To Women’s Economic Empowerment

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion and strengthening the economic empowerment of women across the Niger Delta as it celebrated the 2026 International Women’s Day in the region.

The Commission made the pledge during the International Women’s Day event held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, emphasised the indispensable role of women in family life, community development and nation-building.

She said the celebration, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” underscores the Commission’s resolve to promote inclusive development by creating opportunities that enable women to thrive socially and economically.

Imoni stressed that the NDDC would continue to implement initiatives that support women and enhance their participation in economic activities across the region.

“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.

“With the commemoration of this day, we are asking for equal opportunities at the table for women. When a woman is empowered, there is transfer of both wealth and knowledge to her immediate community. Culture thrives when women thrive; women should be supported. This year, let us transition to action. It is not enough to attend these programmes; let us put the outcome to use,” she said.

The event featured entrepreneurship and business development sessions aimed at equipping women with practical skills to expand their enterprises.

Speaking on “Strengthening Local Enterprises for Global Trade Opportunities,” Secretary of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce (NDCC), Chief Solomon Edebiri, urged entrepreneurs to embrace sustainable business practices through effective cost management, ethical operations and leadership succession.

Also, Mrs. Sylvia Adeneye of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) delivered a presentation on “Non-Oil Export Opportunities and Export Readiness,” encouraging women to take advantage of export opportunities and the benefits available to registered exporters, including participation in international trade exhibitions.

The Lead Consultant of Healing Arms Foundation, Omusuo Dieworio, commended the NDDC for consistently implementing programmes that promote gender inclusion and women’s economic advancement.

Participants described the initiative as impactful, expressing appreciation to the Commission for providing a platform that enhances women’s capacity for business growth.

One of the participants, Mrs. Ebiere Abe, said the programme had inspired participants to pursue greater achievements.

“This programme has renewed our confidence and strengthened our resolve to achieve more. We appreciate the NDDC for recognising the contributions of women and for 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.