FG and FirstBank Empower Women Through Vocational Skills

The Federal Government, alongside FirstBank Nigeria Limited and the African Project Development Centre (APDC), is advocating for women's vocational skills to enhance job opportunities. Saratu Salawu, representing the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized skill acquisition as a critical tool to combat unemployment and poverty.

During a graduation ceremony for 50 women from a vocational entrepreneurship training program sponsored by FirstBank, Salawu urged graduates to utilize their skills proactively. Nkechi Mathew, representing the APDC, highlighted the initiative's goal to empower 200 women within a year through four cohorts of 50 participants each.

The program, which includes training in fashion design, hair styling, and makeup artistry, began on September 16, 2025, and is expected to culminate in a fashion fair in 2027. Chiji Ojukwu, APDC's Managing Director, noted that the organization has trained 10,000 youths in various sectors over the past eight years, with nearly 500 women benefiting from the fashion and beauty program.