Fifty women have graduated with practical vocational skills aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic independence through a training initiative sponsored by FirstBank of Nigeria in partnership with the African Projects Development Centre in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The programme, titled “You First Fashionistas Training Programme”, equipped participants with hands-on skills in fashion design, hair styling, and makeup artistry. The initiative commenced on September 16, 2025, and is scheduled to run until December 18, 2026, with a grand fashion fair planned for 2027.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, a representative of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Saratu Salawu, said vocational and entrepreneurial training remains critical to addressing unemployment and poverty.
“Do not sit back and wait for someone to arrange a job for you. It is important to have something meaningful you can do for yourself and your community,” she told the graduates.
Mrs. Nkechi Mathew, who represented the pioneer Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the graduation ceremony as evidence that Nigerian women are prepared to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
FirstBank stated that the initiative was designed to integrate women into the productive economy by equipping them with income-generating skills. The bank added that participants had already begun producing clothing and other creative items for commercial purposes.
“The partnership with APDC aims to empower 200 women within one year through four cohorts of 50 participants each,” the bank stated, describing the programme as part of its broader commitment to sustainable economic empowerment.
Guests and participants commended the initiative for providing women with practical tools to create products, generate income, and improve their livelihoods.
