Awesome Empowerment Foundation (AEF), in partnership with Kerrygold and HBM Nigeria Plc, will graduate the pioneer cohort of its Fortitude Empowerment Scheme on November 4, 2026, following a vocational training programme designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills for economic independence.
The graduation ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m., will take place at 65 Aggrey Road, Yaba, inside the YabaTech Staff Quarters, opposite the YabaTech Back Gate, Lagos.
The event will mark the completion of the scheme’s inaugural training cohort across culinary arts and fashion design, two skill areas selected to provide participants with opportunities for entrepreneurship, self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.
According to the organisers, they will be graduating their pioneer cohort in culinary arts and fashion design.
The Fortitude Empowerment Scheme is an initiative of the Awesome Empowerment Foundation, established to expand access to vocational training and economic opportunities for individuals seeking to develop practical skills and improve their livelihoods. Its guiding philosophy is captured in the tagline, “Changing Lives Through Imperfection.”
The programme was launched in 2026 with 70 beneficiaries enrolled in two vocational training tracks. Sixty participants were enrolled in culinary and baking training sponsored by Kerrygold, while 10 participants undertook fashion design and sewing training supported by HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa.
The initiative was developed to support aspiring entrepreneurs, existing business owners seeking to improve their skills, and persons with disabilities who face barriers to accessing vocational training and economic opportunities.
Recall that the programme’s launch highlighted the foundation’s focus on practical skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and inclusive empowerment. The reports also noted the involvement of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in the initiative.
Beyond technical training, the scheme incorporates business and digital marketing skills intended to help beneficiaries translate their newly acquired competencies into viable income-generating activities.
The foundation has also outlined plans to provide successful participants with start-up equipment and support to help them apply their skills after completing the programme. Such support is intended to bridge the gap between training and the establishment of sustainable livelihoods.
The collaboration with Kerrygold and HBM Nigeria Plc reflects the role of private-sector partnerships in expanding access to skills development and promoting inclusive economic participation.
Kerrygold’s support for the culinary and baking component provides participants with opportunities to develop food-related skills that can be applied in catering, baking and other food businesses. Meanwhile, HBM Nigeria Plc’s sponsorship of the fashion and sewing track is intended to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that can support self-employment and enterprise development.