Nathan Osume Foundation Equips Women, Youth With Starter Kits After Completing Skills Training
By: Emeka Nwokocha
The Nathan Osume Foundation has equipped graduating women and youth with business starter kits worth millions of naira upon their completion of a hands-on skills acquisition programme which ran from June 18 to September 4, 2026.
The Foundation officially presented the business starter kits to the women and youth (graduating beneficiaries) at a ceremony held at Everton Event Centre, Enerhen, on October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of their three-month skills acquisition programme.
The starter kits comprised specialised equipment as follows:
Catering: Ovens, cake mixers, cake turntables, and other cake-making equipment.
Fashion Design: Sewing machines and other essential tailoring materials.
Nail Technology: Nail-care equipment and materials, including massage and foot-massage equipment.
Hairdressing and Salon Services: Hair dryers, hair-washing bowls, tongs, and other essential salon equipment.
In a recorded address, Foundation Founder Mr. Nathan Esiri Osume urged the women and youth to stay determined, overcome fear, and have full confidence in the skills they had learned.
He reminded the graduates that their new skills are powerful tools for personal and community transformation, charging them to step out boldly, put their training into practice, build their own businesses, and work diligently toward self-reliance and success.
He challenged them to make the most of this opportunity through concrete achievements, hoping to see them emerge as impactful leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and trendsetters for future generations.
He highlighted that the graduating beneficiaries had evolved from trainees into fully equipped individuals capable of creating opportunities, enhancing their livelihoods, and making meaningful contributions to community growth.
Osume encouraged them further, saying, “Be determined to win and leave no room for fear. Put your talents into action, build a prosperous future, and make us proud.”
This charge reflects the Foundation’s core purpose: raising a generation of confident, capable women and youth ready to lead, create impact, and transform their communities.
Speaking, Mrs. Faith Ogude, Director of Nathan Osume Foundation, charged the graduating beneficiaries to judiciously use the skills they have acquired to advance the world. She encouraged them to embrace the opportunities available to them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economic well-being of their families and communities.
According to Ogude, the event marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, youth development, entrepreneurship, and economic self-reliance through practical skills acquisition and business-startup support.
She noted that the hands-on skills training programme and empowerment of women and youths was implemented in partnership with Sonak Communications and Skills Acquisition Centre, adding that the programme was designed to equip beneficiaries with skills that would enable them establish small-scale businesses, generate income, support their families, and contribute to the development of their communities.
She noted, “Over the past few weeks, these women and young people committed themselves to learning practical skills, developing their talents, and preparing themselves for a future of greater independence.
They came into the programme with dreams, determination, and a willingness to learn; they emerged with new skills, renewed confidence, and a stronger belief in what they can achieve.
She added, “The Foundation celebrates the determination and commitment of the graduating beneficiaries and acknowledges the contribution of Sonak Communications and Skills Acquisition Centre, the resource persons, the monitoring team, and all distinguished guests for contributing to the success of this programme.”
In her address, Hon. Esther Esevohare, Founder of Sonak Communications and Skills Acquisition Centre, urged the graduating beneficiaries (women and youth) to fearlessly explore new opportunities. She motivated them to remain courageous and be determined to transform their newly acquired skills into thriving, productive enterprises.
Deaconess Faith Ekpiwre, one of the resource persons, emphasised the importance of empowering women, saying “when you train a woman, you train a nation.”
She encouraged the women to use their skills to improve their livelihoods, support their spouses and families, and contribute to the development of society.
In an inspiring keynote address, Chief Mrs. Dame Ebiyemi Omatseyi reminded the graduating beneficiaries that they are already winners. She urged them to have self-belief, act boldly, and maximize the skills and starter kits provided by the Nathan Osume Foundation to secure a brighter future and elevate their standard of living.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Bawo Idebi, Vice Chairman of the NDP (Delta Central), underscored the importance of living with dignity and self-determination.
He reminded the graduating beneficiaries that having been equipped with practical skills and startup tools, they now possess the means to cater to their own needs and build a financially independent future.
He urged them to confidently step into the world by launching their own enterprises and stepping up as leaders. His message highlighted the vital importance of economic independence, personal dignity, and the drive to proactively create opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries for successfully completing the three-month programme.
Special awards were also presented to the Best Behaved and Most Disciplined trainees, honouring their exemplary conduct and dedication throughout the training.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Comrade Alex Ogude (Chief of Staff, Nathan Osume Foundation), NDP House of Reps Aspirant Hon. Kingsley Abugewa (OSU), Chief Othuke Otunumeruke, Engr. Obus Doughor, and Mrs. Joy Mena.
