By Jako Keke, May 31, 2026.
No fewer than 60 women from Northern Taraba State have graduated from a skills acquisition programme designed to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment, receiving starter packs to launch their own businesses.
The graduation ceremony, held on Saturday at the Catholic Pastoral Centre Mini Hall, Mile Six, Jalingo, marked another milestone in ongoing efforts to improve the livelihoods of women across the state through vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
The programme was sponsored by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, in partnership with Chyoby Catering School. Participants were trained in catering and other entrepreneurial skills aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the event, former YOWICAN Chairman in Taraba State, Pastor Ephraim Kwanchi, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of women, families, and communities. He noted that empowering women through vocational education remains one of the most effective ways of addressing poverty and improving living standards.
Providing an overview of the programme, YOWICAN Chairman, Dr. Job Julius Saleh, said the training had already begun yielding positive results by equipping participants with marketable skills capable of creating employment opportunities and improving household incomes. He emphasized that women empowerment remains critical to community development and economic growth.
The member representing Yorro Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Kasong, commended the sponsor for complementing government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of citizens. He said the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, through its Five-Finger Agenda, has continued to prioritize education, empowerment, and human capital development across the state.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Hon. Ubale, praised the initiative and called for its expansion to enable more women in different parts of the state to benefit from similar opportunities.
Chief Executive Officer of Chyoby Catering School, Mrs. Chioma Abasianya, expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the programme and lauded the sponsor for supporting the initiative. She said the beneficiaries demonstrated dedication and commitment throughout the training and were now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to establish successful businesses.
Mrs. Abasianya further pledged the school's continued commitment to vocational education and mentorship programmes targeted at women and youths.
In his remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Muke commended the graduates for their dedication and praised the quality of work produced during the training. Encouraged by the success recorded, he announced plans to extend the programme to the Central and Southern zones of Taraba State to enable more residents benefit from the empowerment initiative.
He also applauded Governor Agbu Kefas for his developmental strides across the state and urged citizens to continue supporting the administration's programmes and policies.
The event featured cultural performances by the Mumuye Kona Cultural Troupe, which added colour and excitement to the occasion.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the graduates expressed appreciation to the organizers and sponsors for providing them with an opportunity to acquire life-changing skills. They pledged to utilize the training and starter packs effectively to support their families and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, YOWICAN and WOWICAN coordinators from the six local government areas of the Northern Zone, religious leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates and starter packs to the 60 graduates, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter of economic independence, renewed confidence, and brighter prospects for the beneficiaries.
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