Awesome Empowerment Foundation to graduate pioneer fortitude scheme cohort
The Awesome Empowerment Foundation (AEF) was scheduled to graduate the pioneer cohort of its Fortitude Empowerment Scheme (FES) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Lagos.
The event marking a milestone in its efforts to equip underserved individuals with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
The foundation said the scheme was designed to help participants develop the competencies and confidence needed to achieve economic independence, regardless of their personal circumstances.
Its flagship skills-development programme currently offers training in fashion design and tailoring, as well as culinary arts and baking. The foundation is also exploring hairdressing and barbing as additional vocational training areas.
Beyond technical instruction, the scheme covers entrepreneurship, digital skills, product packaging, social media management and business development. Participants also receive business set-up support, mentoring and practical guidance over three months to help them establish and manage their enterprises.
The foundation targets men and women aged 18 and above, with persons with disabilities accounting for 10 percent of participants. It said the approach was intended to widen access to vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to economic participation.
Speaking ahead of the graduation ceremony, Tola Bamigbaiye, the foundation’s chief executive officer, said the pioneer cohort had demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the programme.
“Nothing is stopping you from being resilient, tenacious and authentic except yourself. Every graduate in this cohort has already shown what happens when you choose to keep going. The skills are yours now. So is the decision to use them. Congratulations to the Pioneer Cohort, and welcome to the next chapter,” she said.
Alongside its vocational programmes, AEF runs Imperfectly Awesome Conversations (IAC), a platform that promotes discussions on authenticity, resilience and tenacity.
The platform encourages individuals to recognise their worth, embrace their differences and build the confidence to overcome personal limitations. While IAC focuses on personal growth, the Fortitude Empowerment Scheme provides practical support through skills acquisition, enterprise development and mentoring.
The foundation said the two initiatives reflected its belief that personal challenges and imperfections should not prevent individuals from developing their potential and contributing to their communities.
AEF also works with partners across the public, private and social sectors to strengthen its programmes and expand their reach.
Its partners and collaborators include HBM, Kerrygold Milk, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), LASRO, Dotts Media, Alpha and Jam, PKF, as well as individuals, worship centres and non-governmental organisations.
During the year, the foundation completed three projects: the fourth edition of Imperfectly Awesome Conversations, which attracted more than 350 participants, and two cohorts of its basic fashion and culinary training programmes.
According to the foundation, 120 trainees enrolled in the vocational training cohorts, comprising 85 percent women and 15 percent men. It added that persons with disabilities made up 10 percent of the participants.
Under its guiding message, “Empowering People. Transforming Communities,” AEF promotes education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and inclusion as tools for helping individuals build sustainable livelihoods.
