The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality through capacity-building programmes, agricultural support and entrepreneurship development across the Niger Delta region.
The Commission made the commitment during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State, where it unveiled plans to expand opportunities for women in agriculture, business and international trade.
Speaking at the event, the Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, announced the establishment of an Agricultural Investment Fund for women, explaining that beneficiaries would first undergo training to ensure effective utilisation of the intervention.
He said the programme is designed to equip women with practical skills needed to access funding, grow sustainable businesses and explore export opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of the Imo State Office, Mr. Patrick Obayelu, described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while promoting gender equality and inclusive development.
He noted that women continue to make significant contributions across leadership, education, healthcare, business and community development, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate barriers limiting women’s growth.
The Imo State Commissioner for Health and Social Services, Dr. Chioma Egu, commended the NDDC for organising the programme, saying it had provided participants with valuable knowledge to improve their businesses and personal development.
Participants also received training on export opportunities, business sustainability and financial management from experts of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture.
Meanwhile, at a similar programme in Umuahia, the NDDC Director of Youths and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to create more opportunities for women to thrive economically.
She encouraged women across the Niger Delta to embrace innovation, build sustainable businesses and take advantage of available empowerment programmes, stressing that empowering women remains critical to achieving sustainable development in the region.
