The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has empowered 24 adolescent girls in Sabo, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State with fully equipped starter packs and shops to begin careers in tailoring and hairdressing.
The beneficiaries, selected from a group of 1,080 girls previously trained in 2024, received sewing machines, hair dryers, scissors, chairs, tables, and other essential tools to support their ventures. These girls were chosen as the top performers from the initial training cohort and were also awarded certificates of completion.
At the inauguration ceremony held in Kaduna on Wednesday, the NOA State Director, Makama Danjuma, reflected on past challenges faced by young girls in the area, including exposure to sexual harassment and prostitution. He explained that, recognising these issues, the agency proposed a collaborative empowerment initiative with UNICEF to support out-of-school girls and equip them with life-changing skills.
“This is about giving these young women the tools to become self-reliant and positive influences in their communities,” he said, adding that the programme aims to turn the girls into role models who will represent UNICEF’s values and discourage harmful social behaviours.
Mr Danjuma also encouraged parents to support their daughters in applying the skills they have acquired to sustain their livelihoods and remain on the right path.
Theresa Panma, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, echoed the importance of empowering women, stating that when a woman has access to resources, it benefits the entire family. She stressed that the value of the project goes far beyond the physical starter packs, focusing instead on how the girls use their skills to build a better future.
Panma also urged the girls to steer clear of social vices such as drug abuse and prostitution, and to embrace innovation and discipline in their chosen fields.
UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist, Dr Wilfred Mamah, said the initiative was designed to shield vulnerable adolescent girls from exploitation and provide them with sustainable means of livelihood. “Today, we are setting up sample shops with support from the Eleva UK Foundation. The goal is to help these girls survive, thrive, and escape cycles of vulnerability,” he said.
Dr Mamah noted that more girls from the original training group will be gradually empowered, with the vision of ensuring all 1,080 participants eventually receive the support needed to start their own businesses.
Meanwhile, the traditional leader of Sabon Tasha, Sarkin Samaila Isa, expressed gratitude for selecting his community for the empowerment programme. He also advocated for similar opportunities to be extended to boys, noting that keeping them engaged would further protect girls and ensure broader community safety.