By Isaiah Eka
The Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) has in collaboration with the Convener, Uyo Fashion Week, Mae Edmonds, donated industrial sewing machines to 31 fashion entrepreneurs in the state.
The fashion designers also received cash donation of N200,000 each to support the growth of their businesses.
Making the presentation in Uyo, WALGON President in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Akaninyene Udo, said that the donation aimed to empower the designers to improve their businesses and grow the local economy.
Udo described empowerment of entrepreneurs as a great investment following its ability to ensure self-reliance, create employment and reduce crime.
She urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to support others through training and mentorship.
“This is another important step in our commitment to supporting young people with skills, creativity and determination to build successful careers in the fashion industry.
“Fashion is not just an industry. It is a powerful platform for innovation, cultural expression, entrepreneurship and job creation. It can contribute hugely to economic development,” she said.
The WALGON president said that by investing in talented designers, great opportunities would be unlocked to the advantage of the state.
Udo commended the Convener, Uyo fashion week for collaborating with WALGON to support young fashion designers in Akwa Ibom.
In her remarks, Edmonds said that the empowerment was an opportunity for the young designers to improve their skills, and showcase their talents in the creative industry.
Edmonds said that the Uyo fashion week had continued to create opportunities for serious minded creative industry operators in the state.
“This donation is one of such opportunities. We thank WALGON for its interest in the creative industry in Akwa Ibom.
“The creative industry needs encouragement, the industry needs to be supported, its needs attention, and we need to expand for development.
“We have talents, we need more investments, training, and policy support to turn this into a real industry with identifiable positive impacts,” she said.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and money in order to productively tap into available opportunities in the industry.
Also speaking, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki, the Coordinator, Office of the Wife of Akwa Ibom Governor, charged the beneficiaries to be diligent, innovative and supportive of other people in their neighborhood.
Eno-Obareki said that the donation was in alliance with the Eno-led government’s ARISE Agenda, saying, “see the donation as a key to your financial independence”
“You are now living and breathing expressions of the ARISE Agenda’s commitment to grassroots wealth creation.
“Diligence will propel you to treat this as a business and not a hobby. You have to show up every day with the desire to perfect your craft and be resourceful,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Blessing Bassey, a resident of Oron, expressed the commitment of the recipients to make proper use of the machines, and to add value to their businesses. NAN
