One hundred and eighty women entrepreneurs from various parts of the Niger Delta have embarked on a comprehensive business development training initiative. This programme is a collaborative effort between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Port Harcourt chapter of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN).
At the launch event held at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the managing director of NDDC, highlighted that the training aims to enhance the capabilities of women-led enterprises, boost financial knowledge, and foster economic self-reliance among women in the region.
Represented by Dr. Victor Antai, the NDDC executive director of Projects, Ogbuku emphasized the far-reaching impact of empowering women, stating that such empowerment positively influences families, communities, and the broader society.
He remarked, “Empowering a woman translates to empowering her family and, ultimately, the entire nation. This is why the NDDC leadership wholeheartedly endorsed this initiative.”
Ogbuku further noted the relative peace experienced in the Niger Delta since the current administration began and expressed confidence that participants would gain valuable knowledge to transform their businesses by the end of the programme.
Participants were encouraged to fully engage with the training to maximize personal and professional growth.
Mr. Friday Ehiorobe, NDDC’s director of Commercial and Industrial Development, also addressed the attendees, explaining that the training aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to nurture entrepreneurship and build local expertise.
“Our goal today is to equip you with essential bookkeeping skills and business management techniques. This initiative is made possible by the unwavering dedication of our MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to support men, women, and youth from the Niger Delta. Our current focus is empowering women who operate micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises,” Ehiorobe stated.
He urged the women to approach the training with seriousness, assuring them that the knowledge gained would contribute significantly to the growth and profitability of their ventures.
Mrs. Isioma Onwo, chairperson of SWAN’s Port Harcourt chapter, outlined the training syllabus, which includes practical instruction in bookkeeping, financial literacy, tax education, and proficiency in accounting software such as Excel and QuickBooks.
“By the conclusion of this programme, you will be equipped to maintain accurate financial records and understand critical factors that ensure the longevity and success of your businesses,” she affirmed.
