In partnership with the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), a Non Governmental Organisation, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has empowered scores of women in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State through vocational skills acquisition, financial literacy and provision of starter packs.
The gesture is in line with the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025, which provides that financial inclusion supports income stability and long-term economic resilience for women and households.
Apart from Akwa Ibom, others host communities of SEEPCO, including the people of Iwofe in Rivers State, also benefitted from the training which started in 2025 with 1000 women drawn from the various host communities.
The women had been given financial backing after the 2025 financial education and were expected to use same to kick-start any micro business of their choice, based on the exposure they got.
It was learnt that some of the trainees used to funds to float small and medium scale businesses, to the excitement of SEEPCO, which decided to further train and provide other business tools for them during the latest training which is ongoing.
Under the latest training session, about 100 of the women have so far been selected for the first phase of the second training which is being coordinated by VCDF, the organization that handles all CSR programmes of SEEPCO.
Rather than limit the intervention to classroom-based training, SEEPCO provided beneficiaries with starter packs containing relevant equipment, consumables and business support materials tailored to their respective vocational areas.
According to the organisers, the approach was intended to reduce the gap between training and actual enterprise start-up, enabling the women to immediately apply their skills, begin income-generating activities and gradually build financially sustainable micro-businesses.
It was part of SEEPCO’s broader commitment to community development and women’s empowerment through practical capacity strengthening, livelihood promotion and inclusive economic support.
Speaking during the programme, Goodfellow Julius, Village Head of Iwofe community expressed appreciation to SEEPCO and VCDF for bringing impactful empowerment initiatives to the community.
He noted that the programme stood out because it went beyond skills acquisition by equipping women with the knowledge, tools and confidence required to establish and sustain businesses.
Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to SEEPCO and VCDF for the opportunity, describing the programme as timely, practical and life changing.
Many participants noted that beyond acquiring vocational skills, the entrepreneurship and financial literacy training gave them a clearer understanding of how to manage income, save responsibly, attract customers, plan for business growth and sustain their enterprises.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Peace Emem described the programme as a major turning point, noting that the training and starter pack support had given her the confidence to start her own business and contribute more meaningfully to her family’s wellbeing.
Similarly, Urang Kingsley commended the organisers for the initiative, just as Blessing Solomon said that the support received would create lasting economic impact within the communities.
The initiative demonstrated the value of strategic partnerships between the private sector, development organizations and host communities in promoting inclusive development. It also aligns with Nigeria’s 2023 to 2028 Women’s Economic Empowerment policy.
Meanwhile, VCDF has reaffirmed commitment to leverage SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility support to promote a practical and innovative model of women’s empowerment with financial inclusion and long-term sustainability for grassroots women across host communities in Nigeria.
