Just as Nigeria has been charged to tap into the prospect of the global fashion and creative industry valued at $5 trillion according to African Development Bank (AfDB), Lagos-based fashion institute, De-Image Creation and Fashion School, is the sector’s potential.
The institute which recently graduated its first set of empowerment students who have been nurtured in the art of cloth-making and designs stated that it was on a mission to lift Nigeria’s fashion to an enviable height.
Speaking recently at the institute’s graduation ceremony which held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Temilola Akintayo noted that Nigerian fashion industry was rich enough to drive unemployment out of the country if given the needed verve.
Akintayo posited that the industry held considerable potential to motivate and bring change to some of the most disadvantaged people, especially women and youths, while advancing structural transformation.
“As our own way of boosting the sector and tackling unemployment most especially among youths, we have decided on free and fee training exercise for privileged and non-privileged students who have passion for the profession. This we have been doing from inception and have so far graduated thousands of students.
“Our students are being taken through practical and theoretical sessions after which they face thorough practical examination before they are branded certified. This is to ensure that we dish out core professionals in the market.
“Upon graduation, we also equip graduands with sewing machines and other relevant tools to ensure that they set out immediately. This is why we welcome support from all corners to deepen and expand this gesture beyond what we are offering now,†she said.
While she sought for government’s support for operators in terms of incentives and others, Akintayo also stressed the need for public private partnership to completely tackle poverty and unemployment.
Admonishing the students, Deputy General Manager of Ajaokuta Steel Industry, Mrs. Imeobong Ibomhen, encouraged the graduands to make good use of the opportunity to drive the sector’s potential.
The ceremony was graced by industry experts, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other eminent personalities.
