No fewer than 41 persons have completed the Batch C Skill Acquisition Programme organised by the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, with each beneficiary receiving N1 million as startup support for their businesses.

The empowerment initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance and strengthening community resilience, provided participants with vocational and life-saving skills training.

Beneficiaries underwent training in areas including fashion design, catering, baking, salon services, makeup artistry and gele styling, all targeted at encouraging entrepreneurship and grassroots employment generation.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony held in Effurun, the founder of the foundation, Esther Tonlagha, said the programme was created to equip women and vulnerable individuals with practical skills capable of improving their lives and contributing positively to society.

According to her, the initiative was not limited to awarding certificates but also focused on providing beneficiaries with the tools and financial support needed for economic independence and emergency response within their communities.

Tonlagha announced that all 41 graduates would receive grants of N1 million each to help them establish and grow their businesses.

She explained that the foundation’s vision centres on empowering individuals with relevant vocational skills that can improve livelihoods and support community development.

Describing the graduation as a celebration of transformation and resilience, she encouraged beneficiaries to remain committed and focused despite future challenges.

Tonlagha added that the true value of the programme would be reflected in how participants apply their skills to create sustainable means of livelihood, assist others and make meaningful contributions within their communities.

She also commended partners supporting the foundation’s empowerment programmes across the Niger Delta region for their continued collaboration.

Stakeholders at the event noted that vocational initiatives of this nature remain important in tackling unemployment and social vulnerability, especially among women and youths, while also improving grassroots emergency response capacity.

The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continued mentorship and support for the graduates, describing the ceremony as the beginning of a broader journey toward empowerment and community development.

In addition to the cash grants, beneficiaries received various business support items, including makeup kits, hairdressing tools, baking equipment, generators and deep freezers to aid their entrepreneurial activities.