NCDMB, Boss A1 Global complete 2-week fashion training for 50 women in Akwa Ibom

Michael Olumide Alabi

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Boss A1 Global LTD, has successfully concluded a two-week intensive training programme in bag making and fashion design for 50 women in Akwa Ibom State.

The empowerment programme, which commenced two weeks ago and ended on Friday, was designed to equip the beneficiaries with practical, income-generating skills capable of promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative is also in line with the Nigerian Content agenda of developing local capacity, creating employment opportunities and strengthening participation in non-oil sectors of the Nigerian economy.

During the two-week training, the 50 participants were exposed to various aspects of fashion and accessories production, including pattern drafting, material selection, cutting, sewing techniques, bag design and fabrication.

They were also trained in finishing, branding and marketing, with additional sessions focused on costing, customer relations and basic business management.

The organisers said the business-oriented component of the programme was designed to ensure that the beneficiaries not only acquire technical skills but are also equipped with the knowledge required to establish, manage and sustain viable businesses.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, a representative of NCDMB said the programme demonstrated the Board’s commitment to skills development, economic empowerment and the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities for Nigerians.

According to the representative, empowering women with practical skills remains an important strategy for strengthening families and communities, particularly at a time when there is a growing need for young people and women to develop sustainable sources of income.

The representative further noted that the initiative was part of efforts to diversify economic opportunities beyond the oil and gas industry by supporting Nigerians to acquire skills that can be converted into businesses and employment.

The NCDMB representative encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the knowledge and materials provided to them, stressing that the completion of the training should mark the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey rather than its conclusion.

Also speaking, the representative of Boss A1 Global LTD commended the participants for their commitment, discipline and creativity throughout the training.

He said the participants had demonstrated considerable improvement in their ability to design and produce bags and other fashion items within the two-week period.

He expressed confidence that the skills acquired would enable the beneficiaries to produce quality and market-ready products capable of competing favourably within the Nigerian fashion and accessories market, while also creating opportunities to explore wider markets.

He urged the women to continue practising and improving their skills, build strong brands and take advantage of digital platforms and other available marketing channels to promote their products.

The training also exposed participants to the importance of product presentation, customer satisfaction and proper pricing, which are critical to building sustainable businesses in the fashion and accessories sector.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to NCDMB and Boss A1 Global LTD for providing them with the opportunity to acquire the skills.

Several of the participants described the training as timely and impactful, saying it had provided them with practical knowledge that could help them become financially independent.

They said they were looking forward to putting the skills they acquired into practice by establishing their own fashion and bag-making businesses.

Some participants also expressed optimism that the programme would enable them to create employment opportunities for other people as their businesses grow.

As part of the empowerment package, all 50 beneficiaries received starter packs containing sewing materials, bag-making tools and other items required to commence production.

The participants also received branded items and certificates of completion to formally recognise their participation in the programme.

In addition, financial support was provided to the beneficiaries to enable them to begin their businesses immediately and translate the skills acquired during the training into productive economic activities.

The organisers said the combination of technical training, starter equipment, certification and financial support was intended to give the women a practical foundation for starting their entrepreneurial journey.

The programme is expected to contribute to the growth of the fashion and accessories industry in Akwa Ibom while promoting women’s participation in small and medium-scale enterprises.

With the completion of the training, the 50 beneficiaries are expected to deploy their newly acquired skills, establish businesses and contribute to local economic development through production, sales and potential job creation.

The initiative further highlights the growing importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development as tools for reducing unemployment, strengthening household incomes and promoting inclusive economic growth.

For the beneficiaries, the conclusion of the two-week programme marks the beginning of a new phase — one in which the skills, tools and financial support received can be transformed into sustainable businesses and greater economic independence.