THE Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), has trained 101 wives of Nigerian Army officers in vocational skills and entrepreneurship as part of efforts to strengthen household incomes and promote economic resilience among military families.

  The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 63 Brigade Chapter, Delta State, through a six-day Vocational and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Programme held in Warri, Delta State.

The programme is designed to advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen household resilience and contribute to Nigeria’s broader development priorities. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 on No Poverty and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.

The training provided 101 women with practical, hands-on skills in bread making, makeup and gele, leather works, and Adire (tie and dye).

Beyond vocational training, participants were also equipped with knowledge in business planning, record keeping, pricing, customer relations and access to financial services, aimed at enabling them to convert their newly acquired skills into sustainable sources of livelihood.

VCDF said it would provide the beneficiaries with six months of Business Advisory Services, including mentorship and technical guidance, to help them immediately apply their skills and commence or strengthen enterprise activities.

A ceremony was held at the conclusion of the training, where tailored business start-up kits were presented to the beneficiaries to support the establishment and expansion of their businesses.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Army 3 Battalion, Major A. Haruna; Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Delta State Chapter, Eyitoyosi Shonibare and a representative of SEEPCO.

One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Mustapha, expressed appreciation for the initiative, particularly the leatherwork training.

“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,” she said.

The Public Relations Officer, NAOWA Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Essor, described the programme as timely and practical, noting that it would help strengthen household incomes within the military community.

“This programme is timely and practical. It strengthens household income and supports families within the military environment through skills and starter kits,” she said.

Speaking on the initiative, VCDF’s Deputy National Programmes Manager, Philip Ukemezia, said they are focused on combining skills development with practical business support to create sustainable economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

“VCDF combines structured skills training with practical support to build sustainable household economic resilience. This year, we have trained over 200 army wives across supported communities in Akwa Ibom and Delta States,” he said.

VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility investments and strengthening partnerships with the Nigerian Army, government agencies and communities to promote sustainable skills development and support inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.