A total of 101 women affiliated with The Nigerian Army have completed a six-day Vocational and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Programme in Warri, Delta State, organized by Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), in partnership with The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 63 Brigade Chapter, Delta.
The training, held for wives of officers and lower ranking personnel of The Nigerian Army, covered bread making, makeup and gele, leatherworks, and Adire (tie and dye). Sessions also included business planning, record keeping, pricing, customer relations, and access to financial services.
At the close of the programme, VCDF held a ceremony to present tailored business start-up kits to the 101 participants. The organization said it will follow up with six months of Business Advisory Services, including mentorship and technical guidance, to help the women apply their new skills and begin enterprise activities.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included The Commanding Officer, The Nigerian Army 3 Battalion, Major A. Haruna; the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Eyitoyosi O. Shonibare; and a representative of SEEPCO.
“I am grateful to VCDF for the leatherwork training. I have valuable insights to make my business better. I and many of my fellow army wives now have confidence to earn better with skills we have learnt,” said Mrs. Aisha Mustapha, a participant in the programme.
The Public Relations Officer of NAOWA Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Essor, said the programme was timely and practical. “It strengthens household income and supports families within the military environment through skills and starter kits,” she said.
VCDF’s Deputy National Programmes Manager, Mr. Philip Ukemezia, said the foundation combines structured skills training with practical support to build sustainable household economic resilience. “In 2026, VCDF has trained over 200 army wives across supported communities in Akwa Ibom and Delta States,” he said.
The Nigerian Army safeguards Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supports civil authorities, counters security threats, and assists communities during emergencies. Officers of The Nigerian Army often operate in demanding environments and spend extended periods away from their families, leaving wives of fallen officers and lower ranking officers of The Nigerian Army to seek practical skills, business support, and access to income opportunities.
Organizers said the programme is designed to advance women’s economic empowerment and household resilience in line with national priorities, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1) and Gender Equality (SDG 5), among others.
VCDF said it will continue to leverage SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility investments, working with The Nigerian Army, government agencies, and communities to drive sustainable skills development in support of inclusive growth across Nigeria.
