In today’s fast-changing world, one truth is becoming clearer daily: if you don’t skill up, you risk staying stuck.
At Supportive Pillar Foundation (SPF), we have seen firsthand the transformational power of empowerment. This is especially true when empowerment is rooted in practical, income-generating skills. These skills equip people to rise above limitations, break free from poverty, and build a better future.
As we prepare for the 2025 edition of our Annual Free Skills Acquisition Program in Lagos, Nigeria, this message is more urgent than ever. Now more than ever, we must rise, skill up, and move forward.
What Does It Mean to Skill Up?
To “skill up” means to gain relevant, in-demand skills. These skills improve your financial situation. They grow your confidence. They also allow you to contribute to your community.
It’s more than just learning how to sew, bake, make wigs, or market products online. It’s about becoming self-reliant. It’s about being empowered and economically active.
In Nigeria today, unemployment is rising, inflation is high, and formal job opportunities are limited. Having a skill is no longer a bonus. It is a necessity, especially for the underprivileged.
The Price of Staying Stuck
When you choose not to upgrade your skills, you risk the following:
- Being left behind in a fast-moving economy
- Continued financial dependence on others
- Missed opportunities for entrepreneurship or employment
- Low confidence and self-worth
- A repeating cycle of poverty that can affect generations
We’ve seen too many brilliant, creative people remain stagnant. This is not because they lacked talent. Instead, they didn’t know where to start or didn’t have access to opportunities.
Empowerment is Not a Buzzword — It’s a Lifeline
Empowerment means giving people the tools, the support, and the belief that they can change their lives. At SPF, we don’t just teach skills — we empower individuals to take charge of their futures.
Our empowerment approach includes:
- Practical Skill Training in Profitable Vocations
- Mindset Development to build confidence and resilience
- Mentorship for post-training guidance
- Business Support through our Eagles’ Nest Grant
- A Growing Community of Changemakers
You might be a widow learning catering. You could be a youth exploring digital marketing. Perhaps you are a single mother picking up tailoring. Empowerment opens the door to new possibilities. Empowerment allows you to explore different opportunities and create new pathways.
Why Empowerment Matters Now More Than Ever
1. Youth Unemployment Is on the Rise
According to recent reports, Nigeria has over 50% youth unemployment and underemployment. Waiting for a white-collar job is not sustainable. Skill acquisition provides an alternative route to financial freedom.
2. The Cost of Living Is Increasing
With rising fuel prices, school fees, and food costs, more families are struggling. Empowerment gives people a way to generate income daily — baking, selling, styling, sewing — without depending on others.
3. Women and Widows Need Economic Power
Many women and widows remain dependent on family or charity. We believe that empowering women empowers families and communities. We’ve seen women start soap businesses, make wigs, and become breadwinners after training with us.
4. Technology Creates New Opportunities
Even with just a smartphone, you can now sell your service or product online. Skills like digital marketing, content creation, and online branding are in high demand. You no longer need a shop — just a skill and a strategy.
5. Dreams Are Dying in Silence
Many people have ideas, visions, and dreams — but they’re stuck. Empowerment reignites hope. It says: “You can do it. We’ll show you how.”
The Most Empowering Skills in 2025
For our upcoming 2025 Skill Acquisition Program, SPF is focusing on high-impact, high-demand skills such as:
- Baking & Pastries
- Tailoring
- Makeup & Gele
- Bag Making/ Shoe Making
- Adire (Tie & Dye)
- Event Decoration
- Wig Making & Styling OR Hairdressing
- Soap Making/ Mixology
- Stoning & beading of fabrics
- Fascinator & Turban
These skills can start small and scale up. With the right training, mentorship, and access to startup capital, your hustle can become a business.
The SPF Empowerment Model
What makes Supportive Pillar Foundation’s approach unique?
We don’t stop at training. We walk with our participants through every stage of their journey.
1. FREE, Quality Training
Our training is free, thanks to the support of our donors and partners. Every participant gets hands-on instruction from experienced facilitators.
2. Mentorship & Post-Training Support
After the training ends, the journey continues. We provide mentorship, advice, and access to our growing SPF alumni network.
3. Eagles’ Nest Business Grant
Outstanding participants stand the chance to receive up to ₦500,000 in startup capital through our annual Eagles’ Nest Business Grant, empowering them to launch their dream business.
4. Purposeful Community
Our empowerment programs create not just skilled individuals but thriving communities where people collaborate, support, and grow together.
What Happens When You Skill Up?
When you commit to learning a skill and applying it, you begin to:
- Earn your own money
- Regain your confidence
- Improve your family’s future
- Create job opportunities for others
- Gain respect in your community
- Live with purpose
This is what empowerment looks like.
But… What If I’m Scared?
Maybe you’re wondering:
- “Can I do it?”
- “What if I fail?”
- “I don’t have experience.”
We’ve heard it all. And we say: Start anyway.
No one becomes an expert overnight. What matters is your willingness to learn, grow, and try. At SPF, you won’t walk this journey alone. You’ll walk it with facilitators, mentors, and a family that believes in your success.
2025 Is the Year to Rise and Skill Up
As we open registration for our 2025 Skill Acquisition Program, we want to speak directly to you.
Are you:
- A young graduate with no job?
- A widow trying to make ends meet?
- A woman with a dream but no capital?
- A youth tired of waiting for opportunity?
Then this is your moment. Don’t stay stuck. Skill up.
Because your hands can build the future you dream of — with the right training and the right push.
How to Join the SPF Skills Acquisition Program?
- Step 1: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @SupportivePillarFoundation
- Step 2: Watch out for the registration form and fill it out completely. Register Now!
- Step 3: Attend the screening exercise and choose your preferred skill
- Step 4: Come to class ready to learn
Final Word: Don’t Stay Stuck
You were not created to stay stuck. You were born to thrive, grow, build, and lead. You were made to rise, to shine, and to contribute. Skill is the spark. Empowerment is the fire.
Let 2025 be the year you stop watching others and start becoming everything you were meant to be.
Skill up. Don’t stay stuck.
The Supportive Pillar Foundation in Nigeria combats hunger and empowers the underprivileged.
