Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), yesterday, empowered returned migrants with a $4,200 seed fund. The gesture was announced at their graduation, organised in partnership with Ascend Studios Foundation.

Three out of the 10 pitchers received $2,000, $1500 and $700 seed for their businesses. Public Affairs Officer, American Consulate in Nigeria, Julie McKay, harped on the importance of promoting an enabling environment that reduces barriers and facilitates women’s full participation in the economy.
She said: “There are three cohorts for Abuja, Lagos and the special cohort, where over 120 women are participating, with over 770 beneficiaries. These women have been supported through training and mentorship,” she added.

President, Ascend Studios Foundation, Inya Lawal, explained that the specialised cohort focused on returned migrants due to the urgent need to reform and reintegrate them.

“It’s important to help them, not just financially, but with training, therapy and network so they can scale properly and have something economically sustainable,” she said.

One of the judges and CEO of Jaga Beauty Skincare and Skin Clinic, Ngozi Attah, said such opportunities enable women to overcome trauma. She added that the beneficiaries have scalable ideas and potential to improve the economy.