FG Empowers Rescued Chibok Girls With Vocational Skills, Grants
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The Federal Government has empowered 18 rescued Chibok girls with cash grants and vocational starter packs to promote self-reliance and economic independence.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the initiative demonstrated that empowerment was an investment in people rather than an act of charity.
She said education, skills and economic opportunities could restore dignity and help survivors rebuild their lives.
The minister said 12 rescued Chibok girls graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, in May 2026, while another 18 completed vocational and entrepreneurship training.
She added that 33 girls had been enrolled in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, while 21 others currently studying at AUN are expected to graduate in 2027
Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Neido Geoffrey, described the ceremony as a symbol of resilience and hope.
The Adamawa State Coordinator of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mustafa Gana, said vocational education remained a viable pathway to entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
He described the initiative as a symbol of restoration and renewed hope.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Risikatu Solomon thanked the Federal Government and its partners for giving them a second chance through education.
She said the opportunity had restored their confidence and equipped them with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to their communities and national development.
The graduates pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace, education and hope by mentoring other young girls and promoting access to education.
They also appealed for employment opportunities and continued support for those still pursuing their studies.
Chairman of the Chibok Girls’ Parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki, commended the Federal Government and its partners for sustaining support for the rescued girls, saying the intervention had helped them overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.
As part of the empowerment programme, each of the 18 beneficiaries received an entrepreneurship grant of ₦1 million, along with starter packs, including sewing, tailoring and catering equipment, to help them establish sustainable businesses.
In addition, 221 parents of the rescued girls received N200,000 each as welfare support.
