The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has joined forces with major players in the education and financial sectors to advocate for a nationwide shift toward vocational empowerment. During a recent gathering, officials took the opportunity to praise FirstBank for its consistent efforts in funding capacity-building programs specifically designed for women and young Nigerians.
The call for action was made during the graduation of 50 women from an intensive entrepreneurship and vocational training project in Gwagwalada, Abuja. This initiative, sponsored by FirstBank in collaboration with the African Projects Development Centre (APDC), aims to turn the tide against economic hardship. Saratu Salawu, representing the Minister of Women Affairs, noted that acquiring practical skills is now the most effective way to combat poverty and bridge the gap of economic inequality in the country.
The graduates were encouraged to move beyond the traditional mindset of waiting for corporate employment. The government’s message was clear: self-reliance is the new priority. Officials emphasized that having a tangible skill allows individuals to take control of their own financial destiny while making a direct impact on their local communities.
The “You First Fashionistas Training Programme” has emerged as a cornerstone of this partnership. It provides participants with high-demand skills in areas such as fashion design, makeup artistry, and hair styling. Since its launch in September 2025, the program has focused on moving women into the active economy. In fact, many of the trainees have already started producing commercial-grade clothing and beauty services. The current cycle is set to run through December 2026, with plans for a major fashion fair in 2027 to showcase their craftsmanship to the world.
FirstBank has reiterated its commitment to this cause, revealing that the partnership with APDC intends to empower at least 200 women within a single year. By breaking the training into specialized cohorts, the bank hopes to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who will become employers themselves. This project is seen as more than just corporate charity; it is a strategic move to boost national economic growth by turning creative talents into profitable businesses.
The Managing Director of APDC, Chiji Ojukwu, shared that his organization’s mission has always been to tackle the rising rates of unemployment among the youth. Over the last eight years, the center has trained nearly 10,000 people across various industries. With the expansion into beauty and fashion, they have successfully helped hundreds of women gain the independence needed to run their own shops. Ojukwu noted that while the center began with a focus on agriculture, it has grown to manage 15 different empowerment tracks, all supported by forward-thinking institutions like FirstBank to ensure a brighter future for the Nigerian workforce.
