Engineer Luqman Abdusalam, founder of Embroidery Chief, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria through skills development and access to modern fashion technology.

The announcement was made in Abuja during the official launch of Embroidery Chief’s industrial embroidery warehouse, a state-of-the-art facility designed to expand access to professional embroidery production, training, and fashion-tech infrastructure for Nigeria’s creative industry.

Abdusalam emphasized the potential of embroidery and fashion technology as key drivers of job creation and economic value retention. The warehouse, equipped with Futong industrial embroidery machines, is open to fashion houses, creative studios, textile businesses, and independent designers.

“This warehouse is about opening doors for creatives,” Abdusalam said. “By providing access to world-class machinery and practical training, we are helping designers and production houses improve quality, increase efficiency, and scale their businesses sustainably. Embroidery is not just decoration; it is livelihood, dignity, culture written in thread, and, most importantly, value creation.”

He noted that while Nigeria has abundant embroidery talent, the industry has long struggled with limited access to professional technology, structured training, and scalable production systems. Amid rising youth unemployment, pressure on foreign exchange, and overdependence on imports, Abdusalam said embroidery offers a viable local solution.

In his remarks, Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar of Kwara North commended Embroidery Chief for its role in distributing embroidery machines across Africa. Represented by Mr. Aminu Yahaya, the senator assured legislative and institutional support for the initiative and encouraged the company to move into local production of embroidery machines.

Popular comedian Real Warri Pikin and Alhaji Aminu Yahaya also called for stronger government backing to support local embroidery machinery distribution and production.

Abdusalam highlighted plans for expansion beyond Nigeria into the wider West African market through backward integration and local manufacturing. “Right now, we’re focusing on three locations. Soon, we’ll be talking about West Africa,” he said. “We’re not just importing; we’re becoming a powerhouse within the industry. I’m truly proud to be associated with this laudable project.”