- L-R: The NDDC Director, Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu; the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni; and the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State.
By SCM Correspondent
OWERRI, Imo— The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality across the region through targeted capacity-building programs in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and international trade.
Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Owerri, Imo State, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, announced that the Commission has established a dedicated Agricultural Investment Fund targeted specifically at women.
Dr. Uchegbu emphasized that the training was a crucial step to equip female entrepreneurs with the skills needed to successfully access and manage the funds.
”This International Women’s Day training for Imo State women is a preparatory programme in view of what the NDDC is ready to do for them. If we do not prepare them before they access the funds, they may not get it right,” Uchegbu stated.
He added: “The importance of today’s programme is to prepare them to fit into the wide range of programmes that the NDDC has for them, including opportunities in the export of agro-based products.”
Fostering Regional Growth and Gender Equality
In his opening remarks, the NDDC Director for the Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu, noted that International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action for inclusive development.
”International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contributions of women in leadership, governance, education, business, science, healthcare, and community development. Their resilience, innovation, and dedication continue to shape stronger families, communities, and nations,” Obayelu said, stressing that eliminating barriers for women requires continuous stakeholder collaboration.
Commending the initiative, the Imo State Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Dr. Chioma Egu, lauded the NDDC for bringing the training to the state and fostering personal and enterprise development among participants.
Export Readiness and Business Sustainability
To prepare participants for global markets, experts provided specialized training during the workshop:
Mr. Anthony Aguruchi, an official of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), trained participants on developing export-ready businesses.
Dr. Solomon Edebiri, Board Secretary of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), spoke on financial structure, growth, and long-term business sustainability.
Beneficiaries commended the intervention. Mrs. Nkiruka Nwosu, an interior decoration entrepreneur, expressed appreciation to the NDDC, noting that the practical insights would help streamline her operations. “The teachings have been very enlightening. I have learnt how to manage my staff and my finances to sustain my business,” she said.
Reaching Women Across the Niger Delta
In a parallel event held in Umuahia, Abia State, the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, reiterated that empowering women directly accelerates regional economic prosperity.
”Women play critical roles in every sector of society, and the NDDC will continue to champion initiatives that promote their growth and economic independence,” Mrs. Imoni stated. “We encourage women to take bold steps in business, embrace innovation, and seize available opportunities to improve their lives.”
She urged women across the region to build sustainable enterprises, understand their economic rights, and strive for equal opportunities to build thriving communities across the Niger Delta.
