By Martin Odiete.
After six months of vigorous and intensive training, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) in collaboration with Abaji Area Council and AFS Fashion Hub has graduated and equipped the 1st Batch of no fewer than 30 fashion entrepreneurs with brand new sowing machines, electric sowing machine motors among other materials in their starter packs.
A statement signed by the Team Lead, Corporate Communications, AEA, Comr. Emmanuel Tortiv on Thursday quoted the Head of the Civil Service of FCT, Dr. Samuel Atang as saying the success of the programme demonstrated the dedication of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) towards improving the living standards of residents by creating socio-economic opportunities aimed at fostering an inclusive society for everyone to succeed.
The statement added that Dr. Atang lauded efforts of the AEA as a Special Purpose Vehicle for critical interventions on Small and Medium Enterprises through the hosting of the One Stop Shop which has greatly enhanced the Ease of Doing Business in FCT.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Area Councils Services Secretariat, Dr. Olusegun Olusa, the Head of Service congratulated the participants for the successful completion of the training programme and urged them to make judicious use of the starter packs provided.
In his own words, Dr. Olusa counseled the Fashion Entrepreneurs to desist from the age-long bad habit where Fashion Designers delivered jobs behind schedules. “If you don’t keep to time in your business, you will lose clients and that will not auger well for your much needed growth.” Stated the Permanent Secretary.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of AEA, Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said due to its lucrative nature, a major percentage of entrepreneurs in FCT are currently found among those in the fashion industry.
He said the idea of the Fashion Center started in 2022 with the aim of building the capacity of startups and existing fashion designers by developing their fashion and entrepreneurial skills through a programme that is tailor made to enhance the quality of their production that can also position them for international opportunities.
The AEA Boss disclosed that “each of the graduating participants today will receive a starter pack comprising a brand new sowing machine, electric sowing machine motor and other materials. Participants will also receive as post training support packages, business development service, business mentorship, co-operative formation, business formulization and other entrepreneurial support services from AEA.”
Mr. Ezirigwe while calling on the graduating participants to see entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood and wealth creation charged them to be shining examples and stars for their peers who did not enjoy the opportunity of participating in the programme.
He also announced plans by the Agency to soon commence in earnest operations at the proposed Abuja Business School of Entrepreneurship.
He appreciated the visionary leadership of the FCT Minister, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State Dr. Maryam Mahmoud as well as the Head of Service, Dr. U.S Atang for their support to the Agency in fulfillment of its mandate.
In an interview with newsmen, Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe called on the other Area Councils in FCT to emulate the example of Abaji in partnering with the Agency towards uplifting the lives of their residents at the grassroots through entrepreneurship.
In a brief remark, Abaji Area Council Chairman who is also the ALGON Chairman in FCT, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi represented by his Deputy Isah Makka expressed satisfaction in partnering with the Agency.
He called on the graduating participants to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired from the training.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Program at the Nigerian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, Ms Sandra Vermuijten who represented the German Development Agency expressed confidence in the power of the Nigerian Fashion industry.
She expressed optimism that the programme is not just aimed at creating millions of one man or woman businesses but larger number of staff for businesses to grow the Nigerian economy.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the liaison office as well as presentation of brand new sowing machines and certificates of training to all the graduating participants drawn from all the Council Wards of Abaji Area Council.
A Fashion Parade was also staged to entertain all guests by the participants.
One of the participants, Mohammed Abdulrazak thanked the AEA, Abaji Area Council and other Donors for the great opportunity to learn.
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