The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has successfully graduated 108 participants from the first cohort of its Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative designed to equip women and young people with essential vocational skills to tackle rising unemployment in Nigeria.
Out of 125 enrolled participants, 108 completed the program, marking a significant milestone for the NBCC. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ray Atelly, president and chairman of the NBCC council, expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting his long-standing commitment to empowering young people and women.
“It brings me great joy to empower young people, something I have been passionate about for over 30 years. When I became president of this Chamber, I was determined to make this program a reality under my leadership,” said Atelly. He acknowledged the barriers many face on their journey to success, such as a lack of resources and conducive environments, emphasizing the need for continued support in these areas.
The Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is part of Atelly’s vision to help bridge the unemployment gap in Nigeria by providing participants with practical skills that foster self-reliance and business success.
Adenike Macaulay, CEO of Wakanow, encouraged graduates to keep building on the knowledge they have gained, stressing that ongoing learning is vital for personal and professional growth. “This program is just the beginning. You must continue optimizing your skillset to create a solid foundation for your future,” she advised.
Meanwhile, Ama Onyerinma, co-founder of Africa Sustainable Trade, emphasized the importance of strategic networking and maintaining focus in one’s career. “Networking and building strategic relationships are key to advancing in life. Be intentional about your goals to lead a meaningful and exciting life,” she urged the graduates.
The success of the first cohort has already generated excitement for the next session, with 180 participants set to begin on September 13, 2024. According to NBCC, this initiative underscores their ongoing commitment to reducing unemployment and promoting economic empowerment for women and youth in Nigeria.
