The United States has trained 100 out of school Nigerian girls with entrepreneurship skills to further strengthen the economic independence of young women in Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, the U.S. consulate said the girls ranging between the ages of 18 and 25 were equipped with entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

The objective is to strengthen economic independence amongst young girls in Nigeria.

Participants during the 12 months of training were taught to register a small business, finance and cost management, and sales and marketing skills. They also received training and mentorship in areas of creative design.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Lagos, the embassy’s counsellor for public affairs Adnan Siddiqi said the project taught participants to create sustainable businesses.

Mr Siddiqi reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to undertake initiatives that will support women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, adding that the U.S. believes in the economic empowerment of women as being “crucial to the development of every country.”

He said, “Without women’s inclusive participation in society, any gains in economic growth, development, science, or technology are unsustainable.”

Funded by the U.S. State Department’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, the training is part of U.S. sponsored exchange programmes and initiatives supporting women.