Hundreds of women entrepreneurs from host communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states are receiving support to grow their businesses through a financial literacy and empowerment programme sponsored by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO).
The initiative, which is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, and being implemented through Vcare Development Foundation (VCDF), is aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for women while promoting financial independence and sustainable livelihoods in the benefiting communities.
Kristina Reports further learnt from the company that the programme, which commenced last year, initially trained about 1,000 women drawn from various host communities.
Participants were provided with startup funds to establish or expand small-scale businesses after undergoing financial literacy training.
Following an assessment of the first phase, SEEPCO selected beneficiaries who demonstrated commitment and effective use of the support provided.
The company subsequently launched a second phase of the programme targeting 100 women entrepreneurs for advanced training and additional business support.
The latest training session, which began on May 22, 2026, focuses on key business development areas, including budgeting, savings, business planning, pricing strategies, customer relations, financial record keeping, responsible spending, and access to financial services.
Participants were also provided with working tools, consumables, and other business materials designed to help them strengthen and expand their enterprises.
Speaking on the programme, the Head of Iwofe Community, Goodfellow Julius, commended SEEPCO and VCDF for investing in women and community development.
He noted that the initiative goes beyond conventional empowerment programmes by equipping participants with practical business knowledge and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises.
According to him, the programme is expected to improve household incomes and enhance economic activities across the host communities.
Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the training as impactful and transformational.
One of the participants, Peace Emem, said the programme had given her the confidence and resources needed to start her own business and improve her family’s welfare.
The empowerment initiative forms part of SEEPCO’s broader efforts to support community development and create long-term economic opportunities for residents of its host communities in the Niger Delta region.