Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) have empowered 31 fashion designers in Akwa Ibom State with industrial sewing machines and starter packs to support their businesses.
The beneficiaries were designers who took part in the Uyo Fashion Week held earlier this year. The initiative is aimed at promoting creative entrepreneurship and helping young designers grow their fashion businesses.
In addition to receiving an industrial sewing machine each, every beneficiary was given ₦100,000 as seed capital by WALGON.
The 31 beneficiaries were selected from the state’s 31 local government areas, with each local government represented by one participant at the fashion week, which attracted leading figures in Nigeria’s fashion and creative industry.
The empowerment programme was held at the auditorium of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Uyo. It celebrated creativity, excellence and the future of Nigeria’s fashion industry.
Speaking, the state president of WALGON, Akaninyene Udo, 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 added.
In her speech, the Convener of the Uyo fashion week, Mae Edmonds, 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, the coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Helen Obareki, 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.
