The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced a business development training programme for 180 women entrepreneurs drawn from across the Niger Delta region.
The initiative, organised in partnership with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt Chapter, was flagged off at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Commission’s Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, said the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises, enhance financial literacy and foster economic self-reliance.
“When you empower a woman, you empower the family and, by extension, the nation. That is why the NDDC management approved this programme. Since the inception of this administration, there has been relative peace in the Niger Delta. I am confident this training will equip you with knowledge that will impact your businesses positively,” Ogbuku stated in a message signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Also see: ECOWAS Parliament Meet in Port Harcourt, Call for Utilization of AI in Strengthening Accountability
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mr. Friday Ehiorobe, explained that the training was aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to support entrepreneurship and build local capacity.
“We are here today to teach you bookkeeping and how to manage your businesses effectively. This programme is possible because the MD/CEO is committed to the welfare of men, women and youths of the Niger Delta. Today, our focus is on women who run micro, small, and medium enterprises,” he said.
Chairperson of SWAN, Port Harcourt Chapter, Mrs. Isioma Onwo, noted that the curriculum covers practical skills in bookkeeping, financial literacy, taxation, and the use of accounting software such as Excel and QuickBooks. She stressed that the training would enable participants to maintain accurate financial records and ensure business sustainability.
