By Chioma Vivian James
Reinforcing their commitment to women empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable community development, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, in partnership with ACE Charity, has graduated another cohort of young women under the Business Empowerment Programme for Women (BEPW), equipping them with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and business start-up support.
The colourful graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of the programme’s 16th training cycle, during which four young women underwent six months of intensive training in fashion design, garment production and business management, preparing them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, the Hotel Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mohamed Said Khalil, applauded the hotel’s unwavering investment in community development through the initiative. Drawing from his extensive experience managing hotels across different countries and regions, Khalil noted that he had never encountered a corporate empowerment programme of similar depth and impact.
He described the initiative as a remarkable model of corporate social responsibility that goes beyond philanthropy to create lasting social and economic transformation. He encouraged the graduates to maximise the opportunity by applying their newly acquired skills with dedication, discipline and excellence.
:
The Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Uzo Oshogwe, congratulated the graduates for their resilience, determination and commitment throughout the six-month journey, stressing that the programme was designed to produce not only skilled fashion entrepreneurs but also confident business leaders.
“Today is not just about receiving certificates. It is about celebrating commitment, resilience and leadership. You came here to learn tailoring, but you are leaving with skills that will help you run successful businesses,” she said.
Oshogwe urged the beneficiaries to build their businesses on quality, professionalism and customer satisfaction, noting that excellence remains the foundation for sustainable growth.
She also challenged the graduates to extend the same opportunities to others as they become successful.
“As you grow, remember to take someone along with you because empowerment only grows when it is shared,” she added.
She further assured the graduates that the partnership between Transcorp Hilton Abuja and ACE Charity would continue beyond graduation through mentorship, guidance and ongoing business support to help them establish thriving enterprises.
Speaking at the event, the Grants and Partnership Officer of ACE Charity, Rahina Opotu, explained that the Business Empowerment Programme for Women, established in 2017, was created to provide young women with limited economic opportunities access to vocational skills and entrepreneurial training capable of transforming their lives.
According to her, participants are carefully selected based on passion, commitment and willingness to learn before embarking on six months of intensive practical training.
She revealed that throughout the programme, beneficiaries receive free transportation, meals and comprehensive business support. Upon graduation, each participant is presented with the sewing machine used during training, enabling them to immediately commence their businesses.
Opotu disclosed that with the graduation of the latest cohort, the initiative has now completed 16 successful cycles, empowering 60 women, with four additional graduates joining the growing network of entrepreneurs.
“The programme offers more than technical skills. It builds confidence, discipline and self-belief. We have watched young women transform from being uncertain into confident entrepreneurs ready to create opportunities for themselves and others,” she stated.
She commended Transcorp Hilton Abuja for its sustained partnership, describing the hotel’s commitment to participants’ welfare and development as critical to the programme’s continued success.
Delivering the valedictory remarks on behalf of the graduating class, team leader Divine Favour expressed heartfelt appreciation to Transcorp Hilton Abuja, ACE Charity and the facilitators for investing in their future.
“We are grateful to you for believing in us and supporting our dreams. This opportunity has changed our lives, and we are determined not to disappoint those who believed in our potential,” she said.
Organisers also highlighted that the programme goes beyond vocational training by encouraging social responsibility. During their training, beneficiaries produced clothing and other items donated to vulnerable communities, reflecting the initiative’s culture of compassion, service and community impact.
The ceremony also featured inspiring testimonials from alumni whose lives have been transformed through the programme.
One of the former beneficiaries, Jummai Harrison, shared how the programme became the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. She disclosed that after graduating, she enrolled in a fashion academy to further develop her expertise and now specialises in designing bridal and wedding gowns while creating employment opportunities for other young people.
Speaking to the graduates, the Communications and Marketing Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji, encouraged them to embrace continuous learning, remain resilient and pursue excellence in business.
She urged them to become ambassadors of the empowerment initiative by mentoring other young women and multiplying the impact of the programme within their communities.
The Business Empowerment Programme for Women continues to stand as one of the flagship corporate social investment initiatives of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between the private sector and non-profit organisations can unlock opportunities, reduce unemployment, promote women-owned businesses and drive inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
