Omolabake Fasogbon
No fewer than 60 women have graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. Government initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs with skills, resources, and networks needed to scale in business.
The graduating women who have been equipped with requisite skills and tools to develop their businesses were also supported with grant to implement their ideas.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja recently, Assistant Cultural Attaché, US Embassy, Abuja, Peter Burba recognised knowledge gap as affecting businesses in Nigeria, stating that this initiative will bridge the gap by employing world’s successful business leaders to engage with entrepreneurs.
He said, “We are not unaware of the challenges entrepreneurs face in the country, hence this project. A programme of this nature is apt for Nigeria’s business system. Today, we are graduating 60 women who have learnt, developed and exposed to business tips from successful business leaders.”
He added that over 3000 women applied for the 2023 edition of the programme held in partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation.
Speaking further, Cultural Affairs Specialist, US Embassy Abuja, Anne Ndubuisi disclosed that the 60 graduates were from 10 states across Northern Nigeria, Including FCT, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Niger, Benue and Plateau.
She said, “Over 20 women from this programme have received grants funding through the United States Africa Development Foundation (USADF) to be able to fund their businesses. There are more than 770 alumni on this programme who have learnt more about their endeavours and had opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs across different sectors to scale. Our new graduates stand to enjoy from this network of alumni and other skilled women to grow and expand their businesses”.
More so, Founder of Ascend Studios and Programme Partner, Dr. Inya Lawal urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and leverage the skills acquired to develop themselves and impact more women in the society.
She also thanked the US government for the opportunity, which she said will largely contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
