Transcorp Hilton Abuja, in partnership with ACE Charity, has graduated another set of young women under its Business Empowerment Programme for Women (BEPW), reinforcing its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the programme’s 16th cycle, with four beneficiaries successfully completing six months of intensive training in fashion design, garment making and business management.
Speaking at the event, the Hotel Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mohamed Said Khalil, described the initiative as a unique and impactful programme he had not encountered in his experience working across different hotels and regions.
He said the project demonstrated how community-focused initiatives can create lasting impact and urged the graduates to maximise the opportunity by putting their newly acquired skills to productive use.
Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Uzo Oshogwe, congratulated the graduates for their resilience and commitment, stressing that the programme goes beyond tailoring to equip participants with the knowledge required to build successful businesses.
She encouraged them to maintain high standards of quality and customer service, noting that excellence would drive business growth and attract repeat clients.
Oshogwe also urged the graduates to extend opportunities to others as they succeed, saying true empowerment grows when it is shared. She assured them that mentorship and business support from Transcorp Hilton Abuja and ACE Charity would continue beyond graduation.
The Grants and Partnership Officer of ACE Charity, Rahina Opotu, explained that the Business Empowerment Programme for Women, launched in 2017, targets passionate young people with limited opportunities by providing vocational and business management training to help them become self-reliant.
According to her, beneficiaries are selected based on their passion, commitment and willingness to learn. During the six-month programme, participants receive free transportation, meals and, upon graduation, are presented with the sewing machines used during training to enable them establish their businesses.
She disclosed that the programme has now completed 16 cycles, empowering a total of 60 women, including the latest four graduates.
Opotu said the initiative not only equips participants with technical skills but also builds confidence, discipline and entrepreneurial capacity, preparing them to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, team leader Divine Favour thanked Transcorp Hilton Abuja, ACE Charity and the facilitators for investing in their future.
She described the programme as life-changing and pledged that the graduates would justify the confidence reposed in them.
Organisers noted that beyond acquiring fashion design skills, participants also produced clothing and other items donated to vulnerable communities, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on social responsibility.
The ceremony also featured testimonials from previous beneficiaries, including Jummai Harrison, who said she furthered her training at a fashion academy after graduating from the programme and now specialises in bridal wear while employing other young people.
Also speaking, Communications and Marketing Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji, encouraged the graduates to embrace continuous learning, build sustainable businesses and mentor other young women, noting that the long-term objective of the initiative is to create a ripple effect of empowerment across communities.
