Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says he will upscale the training of youths in various fashion skills to support the training and upskilling programme organized for young people by Ethnocentrique limited.
The Governor was speaking at the Enyimba International Stadium during the Fashion Games 2025, a Fashion Future Program put together by Ethnocentrique Limited as a graduation event for 2000 youths trained and upskilled in fashion skills and to showcase Africa’s creative excellency.
The Governor assured that his government is going to be partners in the project to ensure continuity.
“In principle, we have agreed to upscale this programme.
“So, the first 2,000 is gone, another 3,000 is coming, after the 3,000, we will be doing another 5,000.
“On behalf of the Government of Abia State, I would like to assure Ethnocentrique Limited and MasterCard Foundation who is their partners in the program, that from now onward, we are going to be partners in this project and that it would continue,” Gov. Otti stated.
He commended the Ethnocentrique Limited for coming up with the training and appreciated their partner,
the MasterCard Foundation for supporting the training programme initiated by Ethnocentrique Limited which has been running for 10 months in Aba.
Governor Otti stressed that the programme’s sustainability would not be in question, given the existing demand for skilled labour and fashion products from Abia, adding that Abia has a market within and outside the shores of Nigeria and West Africa.
He also lauded the inclusivity of the training programme, which recorded a significant number of women and persons living with disabilities among its beneficiaries.
Governor Otti who was conducted round the exhibition stands of the products made by the trainees, expressed excitement over the fashion show.
“There were no less than 70 percent of the 2,000 graduates today who are women, and of course, it is so inclusive that about 5 percent are people living with disabilities.
“There can’t be anything better than this. I want to thank you. I am so happy with the outcome of this entire process.
“I have also been told that 100 percent of the 2,000 trainees already have jobs.
“I hear about a 100 of you wanted to be employers of labour and that is very very good and I congratulate you.
That is the spirit of an average Abia person. We are born entrepreneurs. Poverty and unemployment have no business in Abia State, Gov. Otti stressed.
In her speech, the Country Director of the MasterCard Foundation, Mrs. Rosie Fynn, lauded the impact of the programme and said that, it is a powerful platform that goes beyond technical training to empower youths to become business owners and change-makers.
She commended the partnership existing between her Organization and Ethnocentrique.
Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Limited, Mrs. Irunna Ejibe, said that the training was delivered through an apprenticeship model with trainees spending Tuesdays to Fridays learning hands-on skills from experienced mastercraft practitioners.
According to her, the goal of the program was to help young people reshape their mindset and equip them with the tools to succeed in today’s economy. She thanked all the stakeholders who supported the programme.
In their separate speeches, two participants, Mr. Joshua Nwabueze and Miss Ngozi Michael, said that the training programme had provided Abia youths with an opportunity to become self-reliant.
They said that they had acquired skills that would enable them contribute to the preservation of the fashion and cultural heritage of Abia State.
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The event was well attended by senior Government appointees including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Hon. Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Chibueze Nwokocha, Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, the member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, the Mayor of Aba South LGA, Mr. Obilor Anyanwu among others.
