June 5, 2025, - APDC Group HQ. -  Earlier today, The Centre hosted a grand closing ceremony for the 7th cohort of its Fashionistas and the 1^st Cohort of the Nutripreneurs Enterprise Programme. The event marked the successful completion of a 14 intensive training program designed to empower Nigerian women in fashion design, makeup artistry, hair braiding & crafting and culinary skills. To date, over 500 women across the country have benefited from this initiative,

This training programme was entirely sponsored in honour of Chief Arunma (AEEM) Oteh, OON,  Ada Eji Eje Mba . As part of her annual welfare programme and in celebration of her 60th birthday, Chief Arunma Oteh sponsored 60 women for this special cohort, aptly tagged "the cohort of perfection."

In her address to the trainees, delivered by Lady Mercy Uko, Global President of the Amokwe Item Welfare Union Women Wing, Chief Arunmah Oteh delivered a powerful charge to the graduates: "You are not merely skilled artisans; you are revolutionaries. The fashion and nutrition industries await your innovative disruption. Create concepts that don't simply fill market gaps but transform lives. Your success today becomes the foundation for empowering your communities tomorrow."

Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of APDC Group, captured the profound impact of her partnership in his address: "Her support has doubled our capacity and deepened our impact. In recognition of her contribution, we've dedicated our upcoming students' hostel to her."

He continued, "This is our 7th cohort, and the overwhelming applications we receive - we could only accommodate 60, reveal an urgent need for expanded funding and skills empowerment programs such as these. which demonstrates the growing need for programs like this to support women. We call for more institutions to partner with us so we can empower more women like these. Dr. Ojukwu emphasized: "This cohort proves that when we invest in women's potential, we unlock economic prosperity for entire communities." He reaffirmed The Centre's commitment to empowering youth and women across the continent.

The event featured a rich blend of entertainment and motivational speeches from industry professionals. The highlight was a parade where the latest trainees showcased their respective projects in fashion and nutrition. Adding depth to the celebration, past beneficiaries of the Fashionistas program shared their experiences and success stories, providing inspiration and real-world insights to the new graduates.

The event culminated in the presentation of certificates to all trainees for their successful completion of the program. Special awards were also presented, including the Ms. Gracia Kahasha Award for Best Dress in Fashion Design, which went to Ms. Precious Ojobo. Other awards, with prizes exceeding over a million, recognized outstanding achievements among the graduates in their respective skills.

As these young fashionpreneurs embark on their professional journeys, The Centre assures them of continued support to leverage as they make a lasting impact in Africa's vibrant fashion landscape. The success of this training further solidifies APDC's role in shaping the future of Africa's creative industry, one talented entrepreneur at a time.

Stay tuned for more reports on the programme's impact and progress.

#APDC #RDTI #Fashionistas #Creativearts #Womenempowerment #Youthempowerment