As part of its ongoing efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods, Transcorp Hotels Plc has graduated the 16th cohort of beneficiaries under its Business Empowerment Programme for Women, a skills acquisition initiative designed to equip young women with entrepreneurial and vocational competencies.
The programme, which was launched in 2016 in partnership with ACE Charity, continues to serve as one of the company's flagship corporate social responsibility initiatives, providing practical training and business support to women seeking financial independence through entrepreneurship.
According to the company, the latest graduation brings the total number of beneficiaries trained under the initiative to 64. Participants undergo six months of intensive hands-on training in tailoring, alongside courses in business management, financial management, marketing, and customer service to prepare them for successful business ownership.
To ensure graduates can begin their entrepreneurial journey immediately, the company provides each beneficiary with sewing machines and other essential tools upon completion of the programme.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Uzoamaka Oshogwe, reaffirmed the company's dedication to empowering women and supporting sustainable enterprise development.
Oshogwe said, “We believe hospitality goes beyond the experiences we create within our hotels. Through this programme, we are investing in young women, supporting entrepreneurship, creating social and economic impact, and promoting sustainability. We are proud of the 16th cohort graduands and look forward to the businesses they will build, the jobs they will create, and the positive impact they will have on their communities and Nigeria’s economy.”
The company explained that the Business Empowerment Programme for Women extends beyond vocational training by integrating sustainability into its operations. As part of the initiative, pre-used hotel bedding is repurposed into materials for practical tailoring sessions, a practice that promotes circular fashion while reducing waste generated by hotel operations.
Transcorp Hotels noted that the programme reflects its broader commitment to creating measurable social, economic, and environmental impact through responsible business practices. By combining entrepreneurship, skills development, and environmental sustainability, the initiative aims to empower women with the resources needed to build successful businesses and contribute to their local economies.
The hospitality company reiterated that it will continue to invest in programmes that expand opportunities for women, strengthen entrepreneurship, and advance sustainability across Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to community development and inclusive economic progress.