As part of the celebration of the International Women’s day, The institute of Export Operations and Management empowered business women with digital skill acquisition.
The grand finale which took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Port Harcourt hosted women in both medium and large scale business enterprises.
Speaking with newsmen, the Executive Secretary IEOM, Dr. Ogon Udofia explained that the organisation which has been running for three years has achieved great milestones in setting up an all inclusive sustainable programmes for women including the physically challenged.
Emphasizing on the theme of the event: Give to Gain, Dr. Udofia encouraged women to support themselves, by joining cooperatives and imbibe the spirit of working together rather than individually.
Speaking also, the Program’s Coordinator, Dr. Mercy Odibe explained that the programme was to commemorate the Women’s day, adding that the Cooperative is big enough to accommodate everyone.
Dr. Odibe beckoned on women to collaborate and partner with cooperatives and other initiatives, so that they can grow and expand their business
“You are a woman, you have the power. You can strive for more, don’t limit yourself. There’s an opportunity for you to move out there and be who you want to be.”
During the programme, One of the keynote speaker, Dr. Chizaram Obanu explained that the digital space and economic space, is vast enough for women to build up their business and grow capacity.
Dr. Obanu explained that women can engage themselves in the digital space and generate income and revenue using both the online platforms and traditional modes.
“The digital economy has open doors that didn’t exist twenty years ago, women can now do business with their phones and share ideas from their homes.”
She however, warned that opportunities must be matched with protection and as such there is a dare need for business registration to be free from cybercrime and fraudulent activities.
The initiative gave awards of honour and certificate of participation to women.
Speaking with one of the awardees, the Manager of Adaptive Impact Foundation, Emmanuella Iduot expressed her delight over the award of honour. The awardee mentioned that her impact spans across social impact, business, social development including children in different communities.
“In the last decade, I have developed programs for children in undeserved communities, giving them access to education, skills and resources that would help them.
Another participant, a marketing Strategist, Supreme Pillar, eulogized the woman as the builder of the future advising that they should just focus on the journey ahead of them.
“The woman should be balance in every area, we have learnt about legal protection in the digital and economic space, insurance on health, E-commerce platforms amongst others.”