WALGON empowers 31 designers to boost creative entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom

Wives of Local Government Of Nigeria (WALGON) have empowered 31 designers who participated in the Uyo fashion week held earlier in the year with industrial sewing machines and starter packs as part of deliberate efforts to boost creative entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom State.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas as each participant represented their local government during the Uyo Fashion week which attracted leaders in the creative and fashion industry across the country.

The empowerment programme which took place at the auditorium of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State council was a “celebration of creativity in championing excellence and shaping the future of Nigerian fashion,” and was attended by dignitaries including commissioners, designers and the coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Helen Obareki who was the special guest of honour.

Speaking, Akaninyene Udo, state president of WALGON, described fashion as a powerful vehicle for innovation, cultural expression, entrepreneurship and job creation. According to her, investing in emerging designers would create opportunities extending beyond the runway while strengthening the state’s creative economy.

She urged the beneficiaries to build brands capable of competing on both national and international stages,” describing the empowerment as a reflection of the impact of the visionary leadership, strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to youth development.

“We are here to celebrate dreams, creativity, resilience, and the limitless potential of our young people. It is a testimony that when visionary leadership, strategic partnerships and genuine commitment come together, lives are transformed,’’ she stated.

She explained that “these talented 31 designers were given the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Uyo fashion week2026 where they confidently showcased their creativity, originality, innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. They represented themselves and our dear state with excellence, proving that Akwa Ibom is blessed with extraordinary talent.

“Let this programme inspire more collaborations between government, the private sector, and development partners. Together we can continue creating opportunities that uplight lives, reduce unemployment and build a prosperous Akwa Ibom,’’ she said.

In her speech, Mae Edmonds, convener of the Uyo fashion week, said the idea behind the yearly fashion week was to create a platform to showcase the creativity among designers in the industry adding that such effort would boost commercialisation and ensure their visibility beyond Akwa Ibom State.

“We are here because WALGON decided to empower the designers in the creative sector, we give them the skills and we show them how to commercialise their creativity and scale up their entrepreneurship,’’ she said.

According to her, the impact of the Uyo fashion week has been felt wider and lauded WALGON and Governor Umo Eno for the support and creating an enabling environment for the creative industry respectively.

Speaking, Helen Obareki, coordinator, office of the first lady of Akwa Ibom State, said the empowerment was a tangible proof of a lasting legacy which has translated the inspiration of the fashion runway into sustainable economic power at the grassroots.

‘To our very creative beneficiaries, today, you are not just receiving industrial sewing machines and seed cash, you are receiving the keys to your financial independence. The industrial sewing machine provided by WALGON is a factory, a job creator and a ticket to the global market. Consider the accompanying cash as your launchpad. Use it wisely to purchase quality fabrics and manage your business cash flow efficiently.,’’ she said.

In addition to the industrial sewing machines for each of the beneficiaries, each designer also received a cash of N100,000 from WALGON as a seed capital.