FG, FirstBank Empower Nigerian Women with Vocational Skills to Fight Unemployment
First Bank Headquarters
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, alongside FirstBank and the African Projects Development Centre (APDC), has encouraged Nigerians—especially women and youths—to embrace vocational skills and entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence and economic growth.
The call was made during the graduation ceremony of 50 women who completed a vocational and entrepreneurship training programme held in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The initiative, known as the “You First Fashionistas Training Programme,” was created to equip women with practical income-generating skills in fashion design, hair styling, and makeup artistry.
According to stakeholders at the event, skills acquisition remains one of the strongest solutions to unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality in Nigeria.
Why Vocational Skills Are Important in Nigeria Today
Speaking at the event, representatives of the Ministry of Women Affairs stressed that many Nigerians could create opportunities for themselves through practical skills instead of waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.
The programme was designed to help women become self-reliant, financially stable, and capable of contributing to their communities and the Nigerian economy.
“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.”
Officials also praised the determination of Nigerian women to actively participate in economic development through entrepreneurship and creative industries.
What the FirstBank Fashionistas Programme Offers
The “You First Fashionistas Training Programme” focuses on practical vocational training that can immediately generate income for participants.
Skills Taught in the Programme
Fashion design and tailoring
Hair styling and beauty services
Makeup artistry
Entrepreneurship and business management
Product branding and customer relations
The organisers revealed that many participants have already started producing clothes, beauty products, and creative items for commercial purposes.
The programme began on September 16, 2025, and will continue until December 18, 2026. A fashion fair is also planned for 2027 to showcase the products and services of trainees to investors, customers, and business partners.
How Nigerians Can Benefit from This Initiative
This programme serves as a major opportunity for women and youths looking to learn profitable skills and become financially independent.
1. Learn Income-Generating Skills
Participants gain practical skills that can help them start small businesses or work professionally in the fashion and beauty industries.
2. Become Self-Employed
Instead of relying solely on scarce job opportunities, beneficiaries can create their own businesses and employ others.
3. Access Business Exposure
The planned fashion fair will allow trainees to showcase their work, attract customers, and connect with potential investors.
4. Improve Financial Stability
Vocational skills can provide steady income and help families improve their standard of living.
5. Build Confidence and Independence
Skills acquisition empowers women to become more confident, productive, and economically active.
APDC’s Efforts to Reduce Youth and Women Unemployment
The Managing Director of APDC, Chiji Ojukwu, disclosed that the organisation has trained nearly 10,000 youths across different sectors over the past eight years.
According to him, the fashion and beauty programme alone has benefited almost 500 women through multiple training cohorts.
He explained that the initiative was created to help beneficiaries become business owners, employers, and contributors to national economic development.
As unemployment and economic hardship continue to affect many Nigerians, programmes like the FirstBank and APDC vocational training initiative are creating real opportunities for women and youths to build sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of vocational education, entrepreneurship, and practical skills in today’s economy. By learning valuable skills and turning them into businesses, many Nigerians can improve their income, support their families, and contribute positively to society.
