From Umar Dankano, Yola
The Federal Government has empowered 18 rescued Chibok girls with entrepreneurship grants and starter packs worth N128.2 million following their graduation from an intensive vocational skills acquisition programme.
The beneficiaries completed training in various vocational trades under the Federal Government’s rehabilitation and empowerment initiative coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
More than 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents during an attack on the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014. The incident attracted global outrage and intensified calls for their unconditional release. Many of the girls have since been rescued by security forces and enrolled in rehabilitation programmes, including academic and vocational training. Some were admitted into the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, where several have graduated.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Centre for Consultancy Services, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, at the weekend, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, congratulated the graduates and commended their resilience.
She said 14 of the beneficiaries were trained in tailoring, while four specialised in catering services. Each graduate received a N1 million entrepreneurship grant in addition to starter packs to enable them establish their businesses.
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The minister also announced that another batch of 33 rescued Chibok girls would soon commence vocational training and would each receive a N1 million grant and starter packs upon graduation.
She further disclosed that 12 Chibok girls who graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, in the Class of 2026 would each receive a N1 million entrepreneurship grant, while 21 others currently studying at the university would enjoy the same support after graduating in 2027.
According to her, the Federal Government will also support the girls’ families, with 221 parents to receive N200,000 each, alongside empowerment items including eight deep freezers, 10 sewing machines and three industrial sewing machines.
“We are working to ensure that every survivor has not only the opportunity to recover but also the platform to lead, innovate and prosper,” she said.
The minister urged the girls not to allow their past experiences to define their future.
“Your identity is not your pain; your identity is your purpose. The world once knew your story because of a heartbreaking event.
“From today, let the world know you because of your excellence, your achievements, your creativity and your contributions,” she said.
Also speaking, Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou, Director at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), described the graduation as a significant milestone in the girls’ journey from tragedy to transformation.
She encouraged the graduates to see themselves not as victims but as agents of change, adding that the skills they acquired should enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Neido Kofulto, said the training would equip the beneficiaries to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
She urged them to put the skills they had acquired into practical use to achieve long-term success.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Risikatu Solomon expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the support.
Chairman of the Chibok Girls’ Parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki, also commended the intervention, describing it as a significant step towards restoring hope and dignity to the rescued girls and their families.