By Emmanuel Ukudolo I Friday, August 07, 2026
UYO — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by empowering women in Akwa Ibom State with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and market opportunities required to achieve sustainable economic independence and financial self-reliance.
Speaking during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the NDDC Director for the Akwa Ibom State Office, Engr. Evong Evong, stated that the Commission remains dedicated to human capital development across the Niger Delta region. He emphasized that equipping women with business management tools and institutional backing is central to the Commission’s broad mandate for regional transformation.
Engr. Evong noted that the annual commemoration of International Women’s Day has become a firm tradition within the NDDC. He highlighted that this year’s regional alignment directly reflects the global theme, “Rights, Justice and Action for Women and Girls.”
”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”, Engr. Evong Evong, NDDC Director, Akwa Ibom State Office said.
To ensure long-term impact, Engr. Evong urged the participants to register with the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA).
He explained that registration with the chamber grants women entrepreneurs access to structured business support services, specialized mentorship, and single-digit or low-interest financing designed to scale micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Emphasizing the ripple effect of gender inclusion, the Director stated that women occupy a strategic position in regional development. Empowering a female entrepreneur directly leads to stronger family units, more prosperous local communities, and balanced regional economic growth.
The event featured detailed capacity-building sessions delivered by industry experts and government agency representatives:
Exportation and International Trade: Mrs. Christiana Sylvanus, representing the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), provided practical steps to simplify non-oil exports.
She outlined strategies for navigating export compliance, overcoming trade barriers, identifying high-demand foreign markets, and leveraging international trade agreements.
Dr. Solomon Edebiri, Board Secretary of the NDCCITMA, delivered an instructional lecture on business continuity. He urged attendees to adopt strict financial discipline, inventory management, and sound corporate governance practices to ensure long-term commercial survival.
Health and Productivity: Dr. Aaron Michael King, Head of Business Development at the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, addressed the critical link between physical health and business productivity. He sensitized participants on preventing and managing hypertension, diabetes, maternal health issues, and menopause, stressing that regular health screenings are indispensable for business managers.
Participants at the Uyo event expressed gratitude to the management of the NDDC for organizing a comprehensive program that addressed both business operations and personal wellness.
Mrs. Atim Okon Efiong, an attendee, described the workshop as an eye-opening session that equipped her with actionable market knowledge to expand her enterprise.
Similarly, Mrs. Ubong Roslyn noted that the medical lectures inspired her to prioritize her personal health, acknowledging that a healthy body remains the foundation of any successful venture.
The official statement was released on August 7, 2026, by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC.
