Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has graduated 18 rescued Chibok girls under the first batch of its vocational skills acquisition scheme, presenting them with starter packs and cash grants worth a total of ₦128.2 million each as entrepreneurship support. The ceremony, which took place on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Yola, Adamawa State, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing rehabilitation and empowerment of the survivors of the 2014 Boko Haram abduction, providing them with the tools and resources to rebuild their lives through economic independence.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, disclosed that 14 of the girls were trained in tailoring, while the remaining four specialised in catering services. Each graduate received a ₦1 million cash grant alongside vocational starter packs, which collectively amount to ₦128.2 million per beneficiary. The minister emphasised that the intervention forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring dignity, confidence, and self-reliance to survivors of insurgency through education, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment.
The minister announced that the second batch of the programme, comprising 33 rescued Chibok girls currently undergoing training, would also receive starter packs and ₦1 million each upon graduation. Additionally, 12 rescued Chibok girls expected to graduate from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in 2026 will each receive a ₦1 million entrepreneurship grant, while another 21 girls currently studying at AUN and expected to complete their studies in 2027 will benefit from the same support. The government also extended assistance to the families of the survivors, with 221 parents to receive ₦200,000 each, alongside empowerment tools including eight deep freezers, ten sewing machines, and three industrial machines to improve their livelihoods.
Suleiman-Ibrahim urged the beneficiaries not to allow the tragic events that brought them global attention over a decade ago to define their future. "Your identity is not your pain; your identity is your purpose. The world once knew your story because of a heartbreaking event. From today, let the world know you because of your excellence, your achievements, your creativity, and your contributions," she said. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that every survivor has not only the opportunity to recover but also the platform to lead, innovate, and prosper.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Neido Kofulto, commended the Federal Government for rescuing the girls from captivity and equipping them with practical skills for economic independence. She urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills they have acquired with seriousness to become productive and self-reliant members of society. The Managing Director of Modibbo Adama University Consultancy Services, Professor Ibrahim Danjuma, congratulated the graduates for actively participating in the vocational training and expressed hope that they would become successful entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's economic development.
The graduation marks a significant turning point in the lives of the 18 women, who were among the 276 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014. The mass abduction drew global outrage and sparked the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Over the years, some of the girls escaped or were rescued, while others remain in captivity. The vocational training and empowerment programme represents a sustained effort by the government to rebuild the lives of the survivors and help them transition from victims to entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
The ceremony also highlighted the government's broader commitment to the welfare of the Chibok girls and their families. The minister disclosed that parents of the girls would receive financial and material support to strengthen their household incomes and foster economic stability. The Chairman of the Parents of the Chibok Girls commended the Federal Government for standing with the families over the past 12 years, describing the intervention as a significant step towards restoring hope to survivors and their communities.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Rifkatu Solomon and Hauwa Mantel, expressed appreciation for the support, pledging to put the skills and financial assistance to productive use. Their words reflected the resilience and determination that have come to define the Chibok girls' journey from captivity to empowerment. As they embark on their new roles as tailors, caterers, and entrepreneurs, the 18 graduates stand as powerful symbols of hope and the triumph of the human spirit over unimaginable adversity.
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