Transcorp Hotels Plc has graduated the 16th cohort of its Business Empowerment Programme for Women (BEPW), reinforcing the company’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable community development.

The initiative, one of the company’s flagship corporate sustainability programmes, equips young women with vocational, entrepreneurial and financial management skills designed to help them establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Implemented in partnership with ACE Charity since its launch in 2016, the programme has now empowered 64 women with practical tailoring skills, business management knowledge and the resources needed to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.

Participants undergo six months of intensive training covering tailoring, financial management, customer service, marketing and business development. Upon graduation, each beneficiary receives a sewing machine and other essential equipment to support the immediate launch of her business.

In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, the programme incorporates environmental sustainability by repurposing pre-used hotel bedding into training materials, demonstrating circular fashion practices and reducing waste generated through hotel operations.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzoamaka Oshogwe, said the programme reflects the company’s broader commitment to creating lasting social and economic impact beyond hospitality.

“We believe hospitality goes beyond the experiences we create within our hotels,” she said. “Through this programme, we are investing in young women, supporting entrepreneurship, creating social and economic impact, and promoting sustainability.”

She congratulated the latest graduates, expressing confidence that they would establish successful businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to their communities and Nigeria’s economy.

The Business Empowerment Programme for Women forms part of Transcorp Hotels Plc’s wider corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on creating long-term economic, social and environmental value through education, skills development and community investment.

By combining vocational training with entrepreneurial education and start-up support, the programme seeks to equip beneficiaries not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and business acumen required to build resilient enterprises.

As the hospitality company continues to expand its sustainability initiatives, it says its vision is to redefine hospitality by measuring success not only through exceptional guest experiences but also through the positive impact it creates for people, communities and the environment.