Women in Obianga and Ikonta communities of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, are embracing new opportunities to support their families and grow household income. Their enthusiasm for learning has created strong demand for practical skills. Building on this spirit, Ibom Developers Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) launched a 12-day skills training programme and a ₦2 million startup grant—an effort warmly welcomed by stakeholders and community women alike.
The initiative, which focused on catering, confectionery, and wig-making, is part of the company’s Community Development Programme (CDP) aimed at improving livelihoods and giving back to host communities.
A community leader in Ikonta, Hon. Love-day Lambert praised the intervention, noting that the company’s operations had affected local livelihoods.
“We sincerely thank Ibom Developers for bringing this training to the women of our community. Our basic means of livelihood have been impacted by their activities, but this gesture shows the company cares and is willing to empower our people,” Lambert said.
Also speaking, a stakeholder in Obianga, Chief Clinton Sylvernus, described the programme as timely and impactful.
“We are very grateful to Ibom Developers for giving back to our women. The skills they have acquired will empower them to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the community,” he said.
Beneficiaries were equally excited to share their experiences.
Helen Sunday, a trainee in catering and confectionery, said:
“I am very happy for this opportunity. I have learnt catering skills, and I assure the company that I will use what I have learnt to improve the living standard of my family.”
Another participant, Jenny Michael, highlighted her new skills in baking.
“Now I can make pie, cake, pancake, doughnuts, chin-chin, and many more. With these skills, I will be able to bake cakes for people and make money,” she said with a smile.
Those who trained in wig-making also expressed gratitude.
“We thank Ibom Developers for this training. Wig-making is a skill that is highly demanded today, and we are confident it will help us earn income,” one of the participants explained.
The CDP Manager of Ibom Developers FZE, Ms. Grace Inyang said the company designed the programme to focus on trending trades that women can easily turn into sustainable businesses.
“We didn’t just stop at training. The company has provided certificates of participation and a ₦2 million startup grant—₦1 million each for participants in Ikonta and Obianga—to help them put the skills acquired to use,” she said.
“This is not all. Ibom Developers FZE has much more for the people. The last time we were here, it was a medical outreach. This time, it is skill training. Next time, it will be something different.”
The Community Development Programme by Ibom Developers FZE is expected to create a lasting impact in Obianga and Ikonta. With practical skills and seed capital, women in the communities are now better equipped to embrace entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and improve the economic well-being of their families.
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