Ibom Developers FZE deepens community impact with women empowerment training in Ukanafun
Ibom Developers FZE has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to grassroots development and inclusive economic growth with the successful execution of a five-day Community Development Programme (CDP) focused on women empowerment in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The intensive training programme, which ran from March 27 to April 3, 2026, was hosted at Ikot Andem and attracted 60 carefully selected women from six host communities—Obon Odou, Odoro Ikot, Ikot Enang, Idung Urom Ihor, Edem Idem, and Ohaubo.
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda aimed at equipping local populations with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Designed to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and financial independence, the programme provided hands-on training in the production of ten essential household and personal care products.
Participants were trained in the making of bar soap, liquid soap, soda soap, bathing soap, hair cream, hand wash, air freshener, perfume, Vaseline, and custard—products that are in constant demand within local markets.
Beyond production skills, the training incorporated key business development components such as product packaging, branding fundamentals, pricing strategies, and presentation techniques.
Facilitators emphasized the importance of quality control, hygiene standards, and customer appeal, ensuring that participants are not only producers but also competitive entrepreneurs capable of positioning their products effectively in the marketplace.
The training sessions were highly interactive, combining theoretical instruction with practical demonstrations and group exercises.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, representatives of Ibom Developers FZE reiterated the company’s belief that empowering women is central to community transformation. They noted that women play a critical role in household stability and local economies, and that investing in their capacity has far-reaching socio-economic benefits.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed profound appreciation for the initiative, describing it as impactful, timely, and life-changing.
Mrs. Arit Abasiubong Ekanam stated that the training has opened up new avenues for income generation, adding that she now feels equipped to contribute meaningfully to her household finances.
Similarly, Mrs. Dorathy Gadumeluna emphasized the significance of the packaging and branding segment, noting that attractive presentation would give their products a competitive edge in both rural and urban markets.
Other participants, including Mrs. Joy Odudu Amos and Mrs. Peace Nkam’Abasiubong, highlighted the programme’s potential to reduce unemployment among women, curb poverty, and promote self-sufficiency within their communities.
Community leaders also commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention that addresses real socio-economic needs.
The Chairman of the Village Heads Forum, Chief Effiong Evans Umanah, lauded Ibom Developers FZE for its consistent investment in human capital development across host communities.
He noted that empowering women with practical, income-generating skills would create a multiplier effect, improving family welfare, boosting local commerce, and strengthening the overall economy of the area.
The Ukanafun training programme is one of several recent interventions undertaken by Ibom Developers FZE as part of its sustained CSR drive.
Just weeks earlier, the company successfully conducted a three-day Community Development Programme supporting candidates preparing for the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration. The exercise, held from March 23 to 25 at the Onna JAMB Centre, benefited 320 participants drawn from Ikot Abasi, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Eastern Obolo, Etim Ekpo, and Onna Local Government Areas, helping to ease financial barriers to tertiary education.
In a similar effort to expand economic opportunities, the company also implemented a structured skills acquisition programme in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. The initiative empowered 45 women from Atan Aka Iko, Ikot Akpabio, Ikot Okpok, and Ikot Abia Ndia communities in Edemaya Clan with practical vocational skills aimed at enhancing income generation.
Through these coordinated and people-centered interventions, Ibom Developers FZE continues to distinguish itself as a socially responsible organization dedicated to bridging opportunity gaps, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable development across Akwa Ibom State.
The company’s consistent investment in education, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment underscores its long-term vision of building resilient communities where individuals particularly women and youths are equipped with the tools to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.