26th February 2025 - Abuja.

Earlier today, the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) celebrated the launch of Cohort VII, a special birthday cohort honouring Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, Ada Eji Eje Mba, who is the chief sponsor of this initiative. The launch ceremony, held at the Gladys Hall of APDC's headquarters in Abuja, marked the beginning of intensive training for aspiring fashionistas and nutripreneurs.

The event was graced by Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, Ada Eji Eje Mba, accompanied by esteemed guests including Ms. Kemi Adeosun, former Honourable Minister of Finance and founder of Dashme; Alhaji Mohammed Ajia, Group CEO of FUNAB; and Dr. Onuoha Nnachi, Managing Partner of DPH Investments. Distinguished creative arts and development experts, as well as individuals passionate about women's empowerment, also attended.

This "special cohort" will undergo a comprehensive 14-week program designed to equip them with essential creative arts skills in fashion design, makeup artistry, and hair braiding. Moreover, the curriculum will cover vital business skills such as digital literacy, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to combat unemployment and establish sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, recognizing the critical issue of food security, which directly impacts the well-being of Nigerian families, APDC also launched a vital Nutripreneur pilot programme alongside the fashionistas programme. This initiative is especially timely, given the projections of the Cadre Harmonisé OCTOBER 2024 Report, which forecasts that 33.1 million people in Nigeria will face high levels of food insecurity between June and August 2025. By empowering young women with culinary skills and entrepreneurial training, the Nutripreneur programme aims to build resilience and contribute to a more food-secure future. This aligns with Chief Arunma Oteh's dedication to impactful development initiatives, making her presence at this launch particularly significant as both the fashion and nutripreneur programs play key roles in empowering women.

In his opening address, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of APDC Group, emphasized the program's transformative potential. "These programs are tailored for women like you to acquire skills in fashion design, makeup artistry, hairdressing, and culinary arts. They will empower you to become sustainable entrepreneurs and conquer the global fashion and food industries," he stated.

Following his speech, Chief Arunma Oteh, along with special dignitaries and members of the management team, toured APDC's incubation hub facilities. Subsequently, she unveiled and commissioned a proposed hostel site dedicated in her name, intended to provide future beneficiaries of The Centre’s training programmes with accommodation.

Chief Arunma Oteh then delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the transformative power of individual initiative and dedication. She commended Dr. Chiji Ojukwu's unwavering commitment to societal impact, highlighting the remarkable achievements of APDC and its over 7,000 alumni. Sharing her personal philosophy, she underscored the importance of the "Four C's": Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage, urging the new cohort to embrace these principles in their entrepreneurial journeys. She passionately affirmed Nigeria's potential, emphasizing the inherent greatness of its people and their capacity for extraordinary achievements. Ultimately, she pledged her ongoing mentorship and encouraged the trainees to "pay it forward," fostering a ripple effect of positive change.

The event featured presentations from APDC's Director of Programmes on The Centre's youth programmes, as well as testimonials from past beneficiaries and remarks from special guests and co-sponsors. All encouraged the beneficiaries to take charge of their destiny and utilize the knowledge gained during the training program.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Ifeoma Umeania, APDC's Head of Administration. APDC extends its gratitude to Mr. Chuks Nwanne, GM Abuja and North operations of The Guardian Newspaper; Chief Emma Nwafor; Dr. Patrick Agboma; Mr. Chineye Okoro; and all other distinguished dignitaries and sponsors who graced the occasion. The team eagerly anticipates the creative contributions the new cohort will bring to the fashion and nutrition industries.

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