- The NDDC Director, Youth Sports Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs Imoni Ahunna, in a handshake with the NDCCITMA Secretary, Dr Solomon Edebiri, during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. With them, are the NDDC Bayelsa State office, Principal Manager, Youth Sports Culture and Women Affairs, Itekesi Walam (left) and the Nigeria Export promotion Council official, Mrs Sylvia Adeneye (Right)
By Emmanuel Thomas l Saturday, July 25,2026
YENAGOA — THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its unwavering dedication to gender-inclusive policies, economic empowerment, and the entrepreneurial growth of women across the nine states of the region.
This position was reaffirmed during the Commission’s commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the NDDC Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, emphasized the indispensable role women play in stabilizing families, driving community development, and advancing national progress.
“Women are central to everything we do at the NDDC, and that is why we celebrate you every year,” Imoni stated. “Your contributions to peace-building, regional development, and nationhood are enormous, and we remain committed to supporting and empowering you.”
She urged participants to move beyond passive attendance and translate the knowledge gained into measurable economic action.
“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 transit to action,” she added.
Capacity Building & Global Trade Opportunities
The IWD event featured specialized SME enhancement sessions designed to boost local businesses and connect women entrepreneurs to international markets:
Strengthening Local Enterprises: Chief Solomon Edebiri, Secretary of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce (NDCC), delivered a session on “Strengthening Local Enterprises for Global Trade Opportunities.” He stressed the need for financial discipline, operational cost control, ethical practices, and deliberate succession planning.
Unlocking Non-Oil Exports: Representing the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Sylvia Adeneye educated participants on “Non-Oil Export Opportunities and Export Readiness.” She outlined the benefits of registering with the council, including access to international trade exhibitions and global market reach.
In his remarks, Mr. Omusuo Dieworio, Lead Consultant at the Healing Arms Foundation, commended the NDDC management for consistently organizing impactful, gender-focused initiatives.
Participants at the Yenagoa event praised the Commission for giving women a platform to scale their businesses and amplify their voices.
Expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Ebiere Abe, one of the attendees, noted that the training had reinvigorated female entrepreneurs in the state.
“This programme has renewed our confidence and strengthened our resolve to achieve more,” Abe said. “We appreciate the NDDC for recognising the contributions of women and creating a platform that empowers us. We are returning to our businesses better equipped and determined to expand our ventures.”
