The federal government has distributed starter packs and N1 million in cash to each of 18 Chibok girls whose vocational training the government sponsored.

The rescued Chibok schoolgirls, who underwent intensive training in tailoring and catering, received their gifts during their graduation at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, where they participated in the vocational skills acquisition programme.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the girls as having overcome enormous challenges and emerged stronger, and commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the education and empowerment of the rescued Chibok girls.

She disclosed that another 33 rescued Chibok girls would soon begin vocational training.

The minister also announced that 12 rescued Chibok girls who graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola earlier this year would receive a N1 million grant to establish businesses of their choice, just as 21 other beneficiaries currently studying at the university would graduate in 2027.

Chairman of the Abducted Chibok Girls Parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki, thanked the Federal Government for sponsoring life-improvement education and training for the girls; while Chairman of Chibok Local Government Council, Umar Haure, asserted that despite the 2014 abduction, girls in Chibok did not stop going to school.

“We are education-loving people; our girls are going to school,” the council chairman said.

One of the newly trained Chibok girls, Hauwa Muntel, who spoke on the occasion, said the girls were grateful for the new life they have. (The Nation)