By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The First Lady of Imo State, Barrister (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, has empowered 200 young women and girls in the state through vocational training and startup support under the Goodhope Women Flourish Initiative (GHWFI) – Project Flourish 200.
The empowerment programme culminated in a graduation ceremony held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Owerri following a one-week intensive training and mentorship programme.
Beneficiaries drawn from tertiary institutions, various female groups and unemployed individuals across the state demonstrated their newly acquired competencies while receiving starter packs and financial support to launch their businesses.
Participants received practical training and mentorship in several vocational areas, including: hairdressing, baking, POS operations, beading and fascinator making, makeup artistry, gele tying and content creation.
In her address, Barr. Uzodimma congratulated the participants for their dedication and discipline throughout the programme. She noted that their enthusiasm reflected their readiness to build better futures for themselves and contribute positively to society,
She explained that her passion for empowering women stems from her personal experience as a beneficiary of mentorship. The First Lady encouraged the graduates to remain focused, consistent, and committed to personal development and entrepreneurship, charging them to look beyond the graduation to real life experiences.
Speaking, the Programme Manager, Mr. Richards Zeph, explained that Project Flourish 200 was conceived and funded by the First Lady to strengthen skills and entrepreneurial capacity among young women and girls in the state.
He revealed that beneficiaries would undergo a three-month post-training mentorship and monitoring period to ensure they successfully establish and grow their ventures.
Similarly, the Project Coordinator, Barr. Chinonye Owums Owuamalam, stated that the initiative aims to make the beneficiaries financially independent, resilient, and economically productive.
She noted that empowering women has far-reaching positive effects on families and communities, appreciating the First Lady’s commitment to improving lives.
During experience sharing,
one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Obileme Comfort from Oru West LGA, who trained in POS operations, described the programme as life-changing.
“My heart is full of gratitude to Her Excellency for what she has done for me and my family. May God bless her and her family,” she said.
Another participant, Blessing Ukeje, a student of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, expressed excitement after learning beading and fascinator making, noting that the skill would help her support her education.
“Our training was intensive and refreshing,” she said, thanking the First Lady and the trainers.
Meanwhile, a trainer in the beading and fascinator section, Barrister Mrs. Lilian Ugoanyanwu, CEO of LilyGold Beeds and Crafts, described the programme as an “awesome experience” that enabled trainees to gain both practical skills and mentorship.
She commended the First Lady for her dedication to empowering women and transforming lives.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony included: panel discussions, presentation of certificates of graduation to the trainees, distribution of starter packs and startup funds
testimonials from trainees and trainers
The initiative also exposed participants to entrepreneurship, creativity, and networking opportunities, reinforcing the role of skills acquisition and financial empowerment in driving a vibrant private sector and economic development.
