The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has empowered 100 women in Akwa Ibom State with digital and ICT skills to improve their businesses and access online markets.
Speaking during a two-day training programme in Uyo, the Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, said the initiative was designed to equip the women with the knowledge to use digital platforms to expand their businesses and reach potential customers.
She expressed confidence that the digital exposure would enable the beneficiaries to access wider markets, including global opportunities, and encouraged them to share the knowledge with others in their communities.
The Akwa Ibom State Director, Mr Evong Evong, said the training would have a positive impact on the state’s economy by helping beneficiaries leverage digital platforms for business growth.
A facilitator, Mr Godwin Sunday, urged the women to establish an online presence through email, online banking, business contacts and unique brand identities. He also advised them to register their businesses on Google Maps to make them easier for potential customers to locate.
He warned the beneficiaries against clicking on suspicious links to avoid falling victim to internet fraud.
Some beneficiaries, including Assurance Michael, Janet Onobong and Mrs Imoh Paul, expressed appreciation to the NDDC, saying the training had changed their approach to business and encouraged them to embrace digital platforms.
The beneficiaries received Android phones as part of the empowerment, while online platforms were also created for their businesses.
The programme ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants.
