Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has empowered 100 women in host communities especially in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to encourage their participation in the local economies.
Organised by Vcare for Development Foundation in partnership with Akwa Ibom Government, the training sessions equipped participants with knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship development, financial literacy and business.
The World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025, highlights that financial inclusion supports income stability and long-term economic resilience for women and households.
Prior to the financial literacy and entrepreneurship development programme, over 1,000 women from SEEPCO’s host communities had participated in intensive vocational skills training in various trades, including hairdressing, catering and other income-generating skills.
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Following the successful completion of the vocational training, 100 women were selected for advanced enterprise development support, delivered by VCDF with the support of SEEPCO.
The programme introduced participants to essential business practices, including planning, budgeting, savings, pricing and customer relations.
Apart from intervention in classroom-based training, VCDF and SEEPCO provided beneficiaries with starter packs containing relevant equipment, consumables and business support materials tailored to their respective vocational areas.
This approach is 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 is part of SEEPCO’s broader commitment to community development and women’s empowerment through practical capacity strengthening, livelihood promotion and inclusive economic support.
It also reflects VCDF’s growing focus on designing community-based livelihood models that go beyond skills transfer to self-reliance.
The sessions also covered financial record keeping, responsible spending and access to financial services.
By connecting these elements, the training helped participants understand how to manage and grow small businesses within their local context.
Ongoing support remains a key component of the programme. VCDF will continue to provide business advisory services, mentoring and field guidance to help participants navigate daily business decisions and improve performance over time. This approach strengthens their ability to manage resources and sustain viable enterprises.
Speaking during the programme, Chief Goodfellow Julius, Village Head of Iwofe in Eastern Obolo thanked SEEPCO and VCDF for bringing impactful empowerment initiatives to the community.
Chief Julius noted that the programme stands out because it goes beyond skills acquisition by equipping women with the knowledge, tools and confidence required to establish and sustain businesses.
According to him, the initiative will positively impact many families and strengthen livelihoods across the host communities.
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 Clarizer Kingsley commended SEEPCO and VCDF for the initiative, stating that the programme provided practical knowledge that would help participants sustain and grow their businesses over time. She added
Another beneficiary, Blessing Solomon said that the support received would create lasting economic impact within the communities.
The initiative demonstrates 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.
VCDF reaffirms 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
Reported by Aniekeme Finbarr
