Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Limited (SEEPCO) announced a new program to support the wives of Nigerian soldiers deployed against insurgents and bandits.
Training initiative reaches military spouses
In partnership with the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 63 Brigade in Delta State, the company organized a six‑day vocational and entrepreneurship workshop in Warri. About 110 women participated in the first session, learning bread making, makeup application, gele styling, leatherwork and adire (tie‑and‑dye) techniques.
The curriculum also covered business planning, record‑keeping, pricing strategies, customer relations and access to financial services. Participants received starter kits to help translate the training into a sustainable livelihood.
“The programme is timely and practical. It strengthens household income and supports families within the military environment through skills and starter kits,” said the public relations officer of NAOWA’s Delta State chapter, Essor.
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Voices from the training
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Aisha Mustapha, who attended the leatherwork module, said, “I am grateful for the leatherwork training. I have valuable insights to make my business better. My fellow army wives now have confidence to earn more with the skills we have learnt.”
VCDF deputy national programmes manager Philip Ukemezia noted that the foundation “combines structured skills training with practical support to build sustainable household economic resilience.” He added that VCDF plans to train over 200 army wives across Akwa Ibom and Delta States by 2026.
While soldiers are engaged on multiple fronts, the initiative aims to reduce financial strain on families. The hope is that spouses will be less burdened by concerns about feeding children, allowing servicemen to focus on security duties.
In practice, the effort could mean more stable incomes for households that have long relied on irregular allowances. By equipping wives with marketable skills, the community may see a modest rise in small‑scale enterprises, which can buffer the economic impact of prolonged deployments.
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Officials said the training aligns with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting gender equality and decent work.
Military authorities have reported that up to 80 % of soldiers have already been deployed to various battle fronts. The support arrives as the nation continues to confront threats from both terrorists and bandits.
Stakeholders acknowledge that the effort is a step toward strengthening the economic base of military families, though they note that long‑term success will depend on continued access to markets and credit facilities.