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The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through strategic partnerships with educational institutions aimed at promoting skills development and sustainable economic growth.
The commitment was restated by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Dagogo S. A. Wokoma, during a meeting with a delegation from Robert Gordon University Business School, Aberdeen, on Monday.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Bureau, Sir Dede Friday, the SSG praised the Women Entrepreneurs Accelerate Africa initiative, describing it as a timely programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with essential skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial management, and modern business practices.
He said the initiative would enhance the capacity of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to strengthen their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute more meaningfully to economic development.
According to him, exposure to emerging technologies and contemporary business tools would position women to compete effectively in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
“It is encouraging that this training will expose women to emerging technologies such as AI, strengthen their educational development, and improve their business achievements. When we educate a woman, we educate a nation,” he stated.
Wokoma emphasized that the Rivers State Government places high priority on women’s empowerment through education, skills acquisition, and capacity building, noting that collaboration with reputable institutions remains key to achieving that objective.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Associate Professor Poh Yen Ng of Robert Gordon University Business School said the Women Entrepreneurs Accelerate Africa programme was developed to address critical entrepreneurial skills gaps among women across the continent.
She explained that extensive research conducted by a team of women researchers revealed significant deficiencies in business development skills among female entrepreneurs, prompting the creation of the initiative.
Professor Ng said the programme aims to equip women with practical knowledge and resources needed to grow their enterprises and become employers capable of creating opportunities for others.
She noted that the project reflects the university’s commitment to translating research into impactful community development initiatives.
The academic also expressed optimism about deepening collaboration between the Rivers State Government and Robert Gordon University in areas that support entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
She disclosed that, beyond Rivers State, the Women Entrepreneurs Accelerate Africa training programme would also be implemented in Lagos, Nairobi, and Pretoria as part of a broader continental outreach.
The initiative is expected to provide participating women with valuable insights into innovation, business management, and digital technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in the marketplace.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed confidence that the partnership would create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthen efforts aimed at fostering sustainable development across Rivers State.
