As part of activities to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Benicerullo Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisations involved in wellbeing initiative for the elderly and youth empowerment, in collaboration with the Gbagede Ewa Cultural Centre, is set to open its gallery for the training of young people in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Co-Convener of FACTFEST and Gbagede Ewa Cultural Centre, Princess Adetoun Lawanson, explained that the Centre, which has been in existence for over 20 years, has been helping in youth empowerment. “The Gbagede Ewa Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, headed by Princess Adejoke Somoye, has been mentoring, training and empowering youths and women in artisanry, Adire and batik making design, sewing and drum-making, among other things.”

“Alongside the opening of the gallery next month, we will also award certificates to the trainees, who have completed their training in various skills at the centre,” Lawanson explained.

The organisers are also following up with a Fashion, Arts and Culture Festival (FACTFEST) in Abuja, in November where the trained artisans would showcase their works.