Abegunde Pledges NDDC’s Continued Support for Women’s Development
Abegunde Pledges NDDC’s Continued Support for Women’s Development
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) marked this year’s International Women’s Day on Monday with a colourful event at Bliss World Hotel in Akure, Ondo State, reaffirming its commitment to empowering women across the Niger Delta region. The event, themed “Accelerate Action: Investing women, Advancing Right And Equality,” brought together women leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers to celebrate women’s contributions and discuss strategies for gender equity.
Representing the NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Executive Director for Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, emphasized the commission’s dedication to fostering women’s development through targeted programs. “The NDDC is unwavering in its mission to uplift women in the Niger Delta. We recognize that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a catalyst for sustainable development,” Abegunde stated.
He highlighted the commission’s ongoing initiatives, noting that in 2024 alone, the NDDC trained over 2,500 women in vocational skills across the nine Niger Delta states, with 60% of participants launching small-scale businesses post-training. Additionally, the commission disbursed micro-grants to 1,200 women entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth in rural communities.
Abegunde also aligned the NDDC’s efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes inclusive governance. “President Tinubu’s vision ensures women are at the forefront of policy formulation and implementation. From the cabinet to grassroots programs, women are driving transformative change,” he said, citing that women currently hold unprecedented percentage of ministerial positions in the federal government, a significant increase from previous administrations.
The event featured panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and exhibitions of women-led businesses, showcasing the impact of NDDC’s empowerment programs. Attendees praised the commission’s efforts, with one participant, a beneficiary of the NDDC’s skills acquisition program, stating, “The training and support I received from the NDDC transformed my life. Today, I run a thriving tailoring business, employing three others.”
Abegunde concluded with a call to action: “The NDDC will continue to invest in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment. Together, we can build a Niger Delta where every woman thrives.” The commission plans to expand its women-focused programs in 2025, targeting an additional 3,000 women for skills training and financial support.
The International Women’s Day celebration underscored the NDDC’s pivotal role in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion in the Niger Delta, aligning with global and national goals for sustainable development.
