Rescued Chibok Girls Begin New Chapter with Skills, N1m Business Grants

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

Eighteen rescued Chibok schoolgirls have graduated from a vocational skills acquisition programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, receiving starter kits and ₦1 million grants each to enable them establish businesses and become self-reliant.

The graduation ceremony, held at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and empowerment programme for the young women, who were among the students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

The beneficiaries underwent intensive training in tailoring and catering before being presented with starter packs, including sewing machines, tailoring equipment and catering kits, alongside the cash grants to support their transition into entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, congratulated the graduates for their resilience, courage and determination, describing them as women who had overcome enormous challenges and emerged stronger.

She urged the graduates to make judicious use of the vocational skills, starter packs and financial support to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.

The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the education and empowerment of the rescued Chibok girls, noting that the Federal Government had fully funded their educational pursuits.

She disclosed that another 33 rescued Chibok girls would soon begin vocational training under the Federal Government’s sponsorship.

According to Sulaiman-Ibrahim, 12 rescued Chibok girls recently graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, and were each presented with ₦1 million grants to establish businesses of their choice. She added that 21 other beneficiaries currently studying at the university under the Federal Government’s sponsorship are expected to graduate in 2027.

In addition to supporting the girls, the minister announced empowerment packages for their families. She said 221 parents received ₦200,000 each, while others were presented with freezers, sewing machines, industrial sewing machines and tricycles to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs described the graduates as symbols of resilience, courage and hope.

“When I look at you, I do not see victims. I see survivors. I see entrepreneurs. I see mothers, leaders, professionals, and women whose stories are still being written. I see hope,” she said.

She noted that although terrorism sought to destroy the dreams of the young women, it failed to break their spirit, stressing that the empowerment initiative was an investment in their future rather than an act of charity.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and resources provided to become productive citizens and role models for other young women facing adversity.

The presidential aide also commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the governments of Adamawa and Borno states, development partners, facilitators and caregivers for their contributions to the success of the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Chairman of the Chibok girls Parents Association Yakubu Nkeki Chibok Girls Parents Association, Yakubu Ankelai, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Women Affairs for their continued support, describing the intervention as life-changing for both the rescued girls and their families.

One of the beneficiaries, 28-year-old Kauna Luka, expressed gratitude for the support, saying the grant and starter kits would enable her to establish a business, become financially independent and better care for her child.