NGO Launches Women Empowerment Initiative Across Five Oil-Rich States
The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) has announced a new empowerment program targeting women in oil-producing communities across five southeastern Nigerian states.
The initiative will focus on women from Anambra, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Cross River States. These regions contain significant oil reserves that contribute substantially to Nigeria’s petroleum production and national revenue.
Centre LSD aims to address economic challenges facing women in these communities. Oil-producing areas often experience environmental degradation and limited economic opportunities despite their natural resource wealth. Women in these regions frequently lack access to sustainable income sources and business development support.
The empowerment program reportedly includes skills training, financial literacy education, and entrepreneurship development. These components are designed to help women create independent income streams and reduce dependence on oil-related economic activities.
Nigeria’s oil industry has historically provided limited direct benefits to local communities, particularly women. Environmental concerns from oil extraction have also affected traditional livelihoods like farming and fishing, creating additional economic pressures.
The five targeted states represent key oil-producing regions in Nigeria’s southeastern corridor. Akwa Ibom leads the region in oil production, while the other four states contain significant petroleum reserves and related infrastructure.
Centre LSD’s initiative addresses growing calls for community-focused development programs in Nigeria’s oil-rich areas. The program seeks to ensure women gain practical skills and resources for long-term economic independence.
