The Federal Government has empowered 18 rescued Chibok girls after they completed the first phase of its vocational skills acquisition programme
During a graduation ceremony held on Friday in Yola, the beneficiaries were presented with starter packs and an entrepreneurship grant of N1 million each to help them establish their businesses.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said 14 of the graduates were trained in tailoring, while the remaining four acquired catering skills.
She disclosed that another group of 33 rescued Chibok girls currently enrolled in the programme would also receive starter packs and N1 million each after successfully completing their training.
The minister further revealed that 12 Chibok girls expected to graduate from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in 2026 would each be given a N1 million entrepreneurship grant.
She added that another 21 girls studying at AUN and scheduled to graduate in 2027 would receive the same financial support upon completing their studies.
Suleiman-Ibrahim also announced an intervention package for the parents of the rescued girls. According to her, 221 parents will receive N200,000 each, along with eight deep freezers, 10 sewing machines and three industrial sewing machines to strengthen their means of livelihood.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to look beyond the tragedy they experienced 12 years ago and focus on building brighter futures.
“Your identity is not your pain; your identity is your purpose,” the minister said.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to helping every survivor rebuild their lives, pursue meaningful careers and achieve financial independence.
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