Abuja, Nigeria - On Friday, May 8th 2026, the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) hosted the closing ceremony of the 9th edition of its Fashionistas (You First Cohort 2) training Programme, marking the completion of a 12-week intensive course designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills in fashion design, make-up artistry, and hair braiding and crafting.

The ceremony brought the cohort's journey to a close, with all 50 women emerging ready to take their place in Nigeria's creative economy. To date, more than 10,000 women and young people across Africa have benefited from APDC's creative and vocational programmes, an achievement that positions The Centre as a national catalyst for women's economic empowerment.

This cohort was made possible through a grant from First Bank of Nigeria Limited. As part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to empower women and strengthen Nigeria's creative economy, the bank's support is enabling APDC to train 200 women across four You First cohorts over the course of one year.

In his welcome address, Dr Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director of APDC Group, underscored the importance of the partnership and acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and its FCT counterpart. "Your presence here means much to us; it signals that government recognises the work we are doing, and for that we are grateful," he said. "This is our 9th cohort, yet it remains a drop in the ocean. Without our donors and partners, we would not have come this far. We are expanding year on year because of them, and we want to take in even more women." He also pointed to APDC's expansion plans, noting that The Centre has acquired properties on which it is developing a hostel to accommodate trainees from outside Abuja in future cohorts.

Turning to the graduating class, Dr Ojukwu charged the women to translate their training into livelihoods and leadership. "You are leaving here with more than skills; you are leaving with a responsibility," he said. "Build something of your own. Employ others. Lift the women coming behind you. That is how this programme multiplies its impact."

A goodwill message followed from the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi. In her address, delivered on her behalf by Mrs Saratu Salawu, she congratulated the graduates and situated the initiative within the Federal Government's policy direction. "Today is far more than a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of resilience, creativity, purpose, and economic empowerment," she said. "It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary partnerships between government, the private sector, and development-focused institutions are intentionally directed towards uplifting women."

The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises inclusive economic growth, women's empowerment, job creation, and grassroots development. She drew attention to the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), describing it as a vehicle for ensuring that empowerment and social protection reach every community across the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation.

Speaking directly to the graduates, the Minister urged them to treat the day as a beginning rather than an end. "Go forward boldly as ambassadors of a new generation of empowered Nigerian women: creative, resilient, self-reliant, and unstoppable," she charged. She further reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting policies and programmes that create enabling environments for women-led enterprises to thrive.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of FirstBank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, Dr. Tobechi Enyioko, Snr. Marketing Sales Coordinator, Events/Partnership, Marketing and Corporate Communication at FirstBank, commended the graduates on their dedication. "Today is a proud moment for all of us, and a testimony to our belief in women, skills development, and inclusive prosperity," she remarked. "APDC is launching 50 more women into the active economy, and I congratulate each of you for demonstrating how dogged, dexterous, and determined you are."

She went on to highlight the cumulative impact of the partnership. "With today's graduation, 100 women are now active participants in the economy, with 100 more still to come. This partnership is designed to ensure that 200 women are equipped within one year, and we remain committed to seeing the programme through to its conclusion. We celebrate you, and we urge you to take everything you have learned here and build something remarkable with it."

As is customary at the close of every cohort, the ceremony featured a parade in which the graduating class showcased their final projects, demonstrating creativity and mastery of their respective crafts. The event culminated in the presentation of certificates to all trainees, marking their completion of the programme.

Special recognition was given through a series of awards, including the coveted 'You First' Award for Best Dressed in Fashion Design. Start-Up Awards, with a combined estimated value exceeding ₦4 million, were conferred upon the top graduates and runners-up across three categories: Best Fashion Designer, Best Hair Stylist, and Best Make-Up Artist. These prizes are intended to provide the awardees with the working capital and tools required to launch their businesses immediately.

As these emerging creative entrepreneurs begin their professional journeys, APDC and FirstBank reaffirmed their commitment to continued support, ensuring that the graduates can leverage their newly acquired skills and contribute to Nigeria's creative and economic landscape. The success of You First Cohort 2 reinforces APDC's leadership in shaping the future of Africa's creative industry, one empowered entrepreneur at a time. 

Further updates on the programme's progress and impact will follow as APDC continues its mission to transform lives across the continent.