In a major stride towards grassroots empowerment, 30 graduates of the Ikorodu Local Government Fashion Design Training Programme were presented with brand-new sewing machines by the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The graduation and empowerment ceremony, held at the Council Secretariat in Ikorodu, marked the culmination of a six-month intensive training programme, which began in late 2024.
The initiative was designed to equip participants—especially youth and women—with practical, income-generating skills in fashion design, enabling them to build sustainable careers and businesses.
In collaboration with the Celebrity Fashion Academy, the local government successfully carried out the project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Adesina said,
“This initiative was conceived with a deliberate objective: to equip our people, particularly the youth and women, with practical, income-generating skills that would enhance their self-reliance, reduce unemployment, and nurture a thriving culture of entrepreneurship within our community.”
He revealed that out of the 120 individuals who initially enrolled for the programme, 30 resilient and determined participants graduated after successfully completing the rigorous training and internship.
Each graduate was empowered with a brand-new sewing machine to kick-start their fashion careers.
“Fashion, as we know, is not merely an expression of style; it is a multi-billion naira global industry, and today, we are glad to induct our graduates into its dynamic ranks,” Hon. Adesina remarked.
“We firmly believe that empowerment must go beyond training; it must also provide the means to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods.”
The Chairman praised the dedication of his wife, Mrs. Abolanle Saidat Adesina, for passionately driving the programme from inception to execution.
In her own remarks, Mrs. Abolanle Adesina, who also served as Chairperson of the programme, expressed joy at the successful completion of the training and emphasized the council’s commitment to women and youth empowerment.
“This project is very dear to my heart because it’s about giving people the opportunity to rewrite their stories through skill acquisition,” she said.
“What we started six months ago was a journey of transformation, and today, we’re witnessing the fruit of dedication, discipline, and hard work.”
“I am proud of every graduate here today, and I encourage you to take what you’ve learned and make your mark in the world of fashion. Ikorodu Local Government will continue to support initiatives that uplift lives.”
The graduation ceremony brought together key leaders, stakeholders, councillors, and council staff, including the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Aarebirin Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Lateef Afini, members of the WADESH Babes group, and other prominent personalities.
Basorun Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa, former Lagos State Head of the Service Commission, who officially commissioned the empowerment items, applauded the chairman’s commitment to sustainable development.
Hon. Rotimi Ogunleye, former Lagos Commissioner, also commended the initiative, expressing optimism that many beneficiaries would grow to become job creators in their communities.
Among the graduates, Miss Odunayo Sodeke and Miss Kofo Taofeqait expressed heartfelt gratitude to the council, describing the training and empowerment as life-changing.
This fashion design training programme is part of Ikorodu Local Government’s broader human capital development agenda, which includes upcoming initiatives in catering, ICT, hairdressing, and other vocational skills.
The ceremony underscored the local government’s continued investment in people-centered governance, job creation, and grassroots transformation.
INN-HOUSE☆ 