By Gift ChapiOdekina

The Transcorp Hilton Abuja, in partnership with ACE Charity, has graduated another set of young women under its Business Empowerment Program for Women (BEPW), reaffirming 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 Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Uzo Oshogwe, congratulated the graduates for their resilience and determination, stressing that the programme was about much more than learning tailoring.

According to her, participants were equipped with practical business skills, including customer service, financial literacy, marketing and business management, to enable them build sustainable enterprises.

“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.

She urged the graduates to uphold excellence in their craft, noting that quality service and customer satisfaction would earn them repeat patronage and business growth.

“As you grow, remember to take someone along with you because empowerment only grows when it is shared,” she added.

Uzo also assured the beneficiaries that the partnership would not end with the graduation, saying Transcorp Hilton and ACE Charity would continue to provide mentorship and support as they establish their businesses.

Earlier, the Grants and Partnership Officer of ACE Charity, Rahina Opotu, said the Business Empowerment Program, established in 2017, was designed to equip passionate young people with limited opportunities with sewing and business management skills to become self-reliant.

She explained that beneficiaries are selected based on their passion, commitment and willingness to learn before undergoing six months of intensive training.

According to her, participants also receive free transportation, meals and, upon graduation, sewing machines to help them launch their businesses.

Futu said the programme had so far completed 16 cycles, empowering 60 women, with four additional graduates joining the growing network of beneficiaries.

“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 said.

She commended Transcorp Hilton Abuja for its sustained partnership and support, describing the hotel’s commitment to the welfare and development of participants as instrumental to the programme’s success.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, team leader Divine Favour expressed appreciation to Transcorp Hilton Abuja, ACE Charity and the facilitators for investing in their future.

“We are grateful 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 beyond learning fashion design, the graduates produced clothing and other items donated to vulnerable communities, demonstrating the programme’s emphasis on social impact and giving back.

The ceremony featured testimonials from previous beneficiaries who have gone on to establish thriving fashion businesses. One of them, Jumai Hari, disclosed that after completing the programme, she enrolled in a fashion academy and now specialises in making wedding dresses while creating employment opportunities for others.

Speaking also to the participants, communication and marketing  manager Transcorp Hilton, Ijeoma Osuji encouraged the new graduates to remain committed to continuous learning, build successful businesses and mentor other young women, saying the long-term goal of the initiative is to create a ripple effect of empowerment across communities.