NDDC Partners Private Sector To Empower Niger Delta Women Through Skills, Entrepreneurship

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Port Harcourt – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has partnered with private sector organisations across the Niger Delta to equip women with entrepreneurial and vocational skills aimed at helping them harness their talents and local resources to create wealth and build sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at a women empowerment programme organised to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day in Asaba, Delta State, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, urged women to embrace entrepreneurship and acquire practical skills that would enhance their economic independence.

Ebie, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Dr. Godwin Edozie, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training, stressing that it was designed to help them expand their businesses, improve product quality and packaging, access new markets and compete effectively in the global marketplace.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Board Chairman said the initiative was part of the Commission’s commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for women across the Niger Delta.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to advancing gender equality by creating an enabling environment where women and girls can thrive, assume leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we call on governments, private institutions, civil society and individuals to work together to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a more equitable future for all,” Ebie said.

He added that the Commission remained committed to inclusive development through strategic partnerships, community engagement and programmes that empower individuals and strengthen society.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, commended the participants for their commitment and urged them to utilise the knowledge acquired to grow their businesses.

She described women as critical drivers of family and community development, encouraging them to remain productive and pursue ventures that would improve their economic wellbeing.

Imoni further urged the women to leverage the opportunities provided by the current NDDC board, which she described as supportive of women’s development.

“The current NDDC board is a unique one which supports women’s affairs, so this is the time for women of the region to maximize it. When you empower women, you empower the family, community, and society,” she said.

She also encouraged participants to take advantage of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCTIMA) to access low-interest loans to expand their businesses.

Delivering a lecture on Business Growth and Sustainability, the Board Secretary of NDCCTIMA, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said the true test of entrepreneurship lies not only in starting a business but in sustaining and expanding it over time.

He explained that while business growth focuses on increasing revenue, expanding operations and entering new markets, sustainability ensures that enterprises remain profitable, resilient, socially responsible and adaptable to future challenges.

One of the participants, Aniefor Ishioma from Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, expressed appreciation to the Commission, saying the training had equipped her with practical knowledge on business management, including separating business capital from profit to ensure sustainable growth.