HBM Nigeria, AEF bridge skills-to-enterprise gap with fashion design initiative

The initiative, implemented in partnership with Awesome Empowerment Foundation (AEF), culminated in a graduation ceremony recently, marking the completion of an intensive practical training programme designed to equip participants with basic fashion design and tailoring skills.

All beneficiaries received starter kits, including industrial sewing machines, to enable them to establish their businesses, translate their newly acquired skills into income-generating activities and pursue economic independence.

The three-month programme featured full-time practical training delivered through weekly six-hour classes, providing participants with hands-on exposure to fashion design and tailoring techniques.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Viola Graham-Douglas, director, corporate relations, HBM Nigeria Plc, urged the beneficiaries to convert their newly acquired competencies into viable businesses by focusing on quality, customer service and timely delivery.

She also encouraged them to leverage social media platforms to expand their market reach beyond their immediate communities, arguing that digital visibility could help their businesses attract customers and access opportunities beyond their neighbourhoods.

“We want you to use this opportunity to impact your lives, support your families and grow your businesses. This is just the beginning of your journey, and we look forward to hearing greater things about you,” Graham-Douglas said.

She stressed that maintaining high-quality standards and meeting delivery timelines would be critical to building customer loyalty, generating referrals and sustaining their businesses.

“When you give your customers quality work and deliver on time, they will keep coming back and referring others to you,” she said.

Awesome Empowerment Foundation described the partnership as a shared commitment to addressing economic vulnerability by equipping individuals with marketable skills and the resources required to establish independent sources of income.

Omotola Bamigbaiye, chief executive officer of AEF, said the programme was designed not merely to provide training but also to give participants the practical support needed to translate their competencies into sustainable economic opportunities.

“Through this partnership, we are creating an opportunity for beneficiaries to turn their skills into sustainable sources of income. Our goal is not just to train them, but to provide the support and resources they need to build businesses, become financially independent, and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” Bamigbaiye said.

One of the beneficiaries, Zainab Muhammed, commended HBM Nigeria and AEF for providing the opportunity to acquire fashion designing skills and the equipment needed to begin her entrepreneurial journey.

The provision of industrial sewing machines is particularly significant to the programme’s enterprise-development objective, as access to productive equipment can help reduce the initial capital burden facing aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to establish small-scale tailoring businesses.

HBM Nigeria said the initiative forms part of its commitment to creating social impact through strategic partnerships and community-focused interventions.

Onome Amuge serves as online editor of Business A.M, bringing over a decade of journalism experience as a content writer and business news reporter specialising in analytical and engaging reporting. You can reach him via Facebook ,X and LinkedIn

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