A five-day Vocational and Entrepreneurship Enhancement Programme by Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) in partnership with the Nigerian Army, 6 Battalion for 100 women in Ibagwa, Akwa Ibom State has ended.
The programme was organised to help dependents of servicemen and widows acquire practical skills and pathways for economic inclusion as a way of ensuring stable household income.
Sponsored by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the programme involves Ankara craft, catering, soap making, and hairdressing trade skills.
Participants were exposed to practical approaches for planning, managing, and growing small businesses as well as the blend of vocational and business training sessions to address a common gap where skills exist without business structure for sustainable livelihood.
Each participant received a business start-up kit tailored to selected trade by removing a major barrier faced by many trainees who complete programmes but lack the tools to begin.
In addition, participants will also receive six-month Business Development Services, including mentorship and technical guidance aimed at helping them navigate early-stage business challenges.
The programme, which ended with the presentation of business start-up kits and the commissioning of new equipment at the Army 6 Battalion Skills Acquisition Centre, would help the centre to train more participants in the future.
Lt. Col. EY Gyang, Commanding Officer, 6 Battalion, who commissioned five industrial sewing machines and two industrial weaving machines, commended VCDF for organizing the programme.
“This is really a good initiative. We never thought it would come to pass as many organizations make promises without meeting up. This will give our women the opportunity to learn skills, earn income, and support their families,” Gyang said.
Fatima Aminu, one of the trainees, said, “We did not expect the volume of these starter packs. Some of us had skills but could not start because we lacked funds for equipment. Now we can begin and grow our businesses with the training and support provided.”
Highlight of the occasion was the scholarships sponsored by ASPIRE to children of military households as well as provision of financial assistance to 66 students to improving access to education and reducing the financial burden on families.
Experts believe that through these initiatives, structured skills training combined with practical support would shape pathways for economic participation among vulnerable groups, while promoting sustainable community development.
VCDF remains committed to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility investments to build sustainable skills and training for inclusive growth in Nigeria.
Reported by Aniekeme Finbarr
