In a bid to strengthen economic inclusion and improve household livelihoods, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), in partnership with Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Army 6 Battalion, has concluded a five-day Vocational and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Programme for women in Akwa Ibom State.
The empowerment initiative, held in Ibagwa, targeted 100 women, including dependants of servicemen and widows, with practical vocational training designed to improve income generation and long-term economic stability for vulnerable households.
Participants received hands-on training in Ankara craft, catering, soap making, and hairdressing, alongside entrepreneurship and business management sessions aimed at equipping beneficiaries with the skills needed to establish and sustain small-scale enterprises.
According to the organizers, the programme was developed to address a major challenge often faced by vocational trainees, the lack of business structure and start-up support required to translate acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.
To bridge this gap, each participant was presented with tailored business start-up kits aligned with their chosen vocational trade. Organizers noted that the intervention was designed to remove one of the biggest barriers confronting aspiring entrepreneurs: access to tools and equipment needed to begin operations immediately after training.
Beyond the training phase, beneficiaries are also expected to receive six months of Business Development Services (BDS), including mentorship, technical guidance, and business support aimed at helping them navigate early-stage operational challenges and improve sustainability.
The programme concluded with the presentation of business start-up kits and the commissioning of additional equipment at the Nigerian Army 6 Battalion Skills Acquisition Centre, a move expected to expand the centre’s training capacity for future participants.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Lt. Col. EY Gyang, Commanding Officer of the 6 Battalion, commended VCDF and SEEPCO for supporting the initiative and contributing to the welfare of military families and host communities.
He commissioned five industrial sewing machines and two industrial weaving machines donated to the centre, describing the intervention as impactful and timely.
“This is really a good initiative. We never thought it would come to pass as many organizations make promises without meeting up. This will give our women the opportunity to learn skills, earn income, and support their families,” he stated.
Beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scale of support provided through the programme.
One of the participants, Fatima Aminu, said the starter packs exceeded expectations and would enable many women to transition from training into active entrepreneurship.
“We did not expect the volume of these starter packs. Some of us had skills but could not start because we lacked funds for equipment. Now we can begin and grow our businesses with the training and support provided,” she said.
In addition to the vocational empowerment initiative, children from military households also benefited from the ASPIRE Scholarship Programme, which provided financial support to 66 students to improve access to education and ease financial pressure on families.
Stakeholders noted that the integration of vocational training, entrepreneurship development, mentorship, and educational support reflects a broader approach to sustainable community development and social inclusion.
Through the initiative, VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility investments to expand sustainable skills development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth opportunities across Nigeria.
