The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment across the Niger Delta, promising to expand programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance.
The pledge was made during the Commission’s 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking at the event, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said empowering women and the girl child remains a priority for the Commission, stressing that women play a critical role in driving social and economic development.
Represented by the Assistant Director of Youths, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs, Dr Esther Philip, Ogbuku noted that the Commission had continued to implement interventions designed to equip women with skills and opportunities needed to improve their livelihoods.
According to him, empowering women translates directly into strengthening families, communities and the nation at large.
He assured participants that the NDDC would sustain initiatives focused on wealth creation, entrepreneurship and capacity building to enable women become more self-reliant and economically productive.
Ogbuku said the Commission’s efforts align with its statutory mandate as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the empowerment programmes are designed to create lasting impacts across the region.
He urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities provided through the programme to acquire practical knowledge and skills that would enhance their personal and professional development.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Representative on the NDDC Board, Orok Duke, said women and girls possess immense potential to excel in all sectors when given the right opportunities.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Administration, Bassey-Ita Duke, he described women as critical contributors to development and noted that many occupy key leadership and management positions within the Commission.
Duke reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting initiatives that create equal opportunities for women across the region.
He also highlighted the Commission’s investments in agriculture, including fisheries, livestock production and crop farming, describing the sector as a vital tool for economic growth, job creation and food security.
As part of the event, participants received training on export readiness and product packaging.
A resource person from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Christiana Ekeng, delivered a lecture on best practices for packaging certified products for export.
She explained that non-oil products intended for export must obtain certification through the council before being shipped abroad, noting that certification enhances product credibility and access to international markets.
Ekeng also educated participants on the different stages of packaging and stressed the importance of proper packaging standards in meeting export requirements.
In his remarks, the Consultant to the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation, Dr Boma Nathan, commended the NDDC for its sustained support for women-focused initiatives in the Niger Delta.
He said empowering women helps them realise their potential, pursue economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The event formed part of the Commission’s broader efforts to promote inclusive development and strengthen the economic participation of women across the Niger Delta region.