Lumiscape Charity Foundation (LCF) and Zephyr Interior Design Academy (ZIDA) have concluded the inaugural LCF x ZIDA Empowerment Initiative, a month-long programme that equipped 84 single mothers with foundational interior design skills, mentorship and exposure to professional opportunities in the creative industry.

The initiative culminated in an Abuja workshop attended by the top 40 participants, during which two outstanding women were awarded scholarships worth a combined ₦2.105 million.

Following an application and selection process, 84 women were admitted to the virtual learning cohort, where they were introduced to design thinking, space planning, mood-board creation, colour theory, entrepreneurship and career pathways within the interior design industry by Zephyr Interior Design Academy.

At the end of the virtual training, participants completed an examination designed to assess their understanding and practical application of the subjects taught. Based on their examination results and overall participation, the top 40 women were selected to attend the physical workshop in Abuja.

During the workshop, participants took part in practical design sessions, mentorship conversations and collaborative activities led by industry professionals, allowing them to apply their virtual learning to the practical and commercial aspects of interior design.

Victory Ufedo-Ojo, recipient of the Lumiscape Charity Foundation Scholarship valued at ₦1.705 million, described the award as an opportunity that had renewed her confidence in her future.

“I honestly do not know where to begin because my heart is so full of gratitude. I am deeply thankful to the LCF and ZIDA teams for this incredible scholarship and for believing in us, investing in our growth and creating such a beautiful platform for learning and development.

“I am truly honoured to be one of the scholarship recipients. This opportunity means so much to me, and I am excited about everything that lies ahead. Thank you, LCF. Thank you, ZIDA, for believing in us. I will remain forever grateful,” she said.

Miracle Ojogwu also received the Zephyr Interior Design Academy Scholarship, valued at ₦400,000, which provides admission to ZIDA’s eight-week Interior Design Fundamentals Programme and recognises her commitment, creativity and performance throughout the initiative.

Expressing her appreciation, Ojogwu said she was committed to making the most of the opportunity.

“I am truly grateful for this opportunity and deeply appreciate the organisations that made it possible. I will not disappoint them. I am committed to working hard, making them proud and using everything I learn to build a better future,” she said.

Founder of Lumiscape Charity Foundation, Ifeoma Oluwapelumi Okoro, said the initiative was created to broaden the range of opportunities available to single mothers and provide pathways capable of driving lasting personal and economic transformation.

“Single mothers are not a homogeneous group. They have different interests, abilities, educational backgrounds and aspirations. While some may be drawn to traditional trades, others want to explore creative and professional industries and build careers that reflect their individual talents and ambitions.

“Through this initiative, we are expanding the range of opportunities available to them and supporting each woman’s potential to thrive,” Okoro said.

She added that the initiative forms part of Lumiscape Charity Foundation’s broader commitment to helping underserved single mothers achieve greater financial independence through education, skills development, mentorship and access to sustainable opportunities.

Also speaking, Managing Director of Zephyr Interior Design Academy, Precious Moses, described the initiative as personally significant, highlighting the transformative potential of design when women are given access to the right skills, guidance and professional community.

“This initiative is deeply personal to me. Design changed my life and I have seen firsthand what it can do for a woman who is given the right tools, the right guidance and the right community.

“These 40 women did not just qualify for a programme; they chose themselves. And ZIDA will honour that choice by giving them everything we have,” Moses said.

Haraya served as the official venue partner for the Abuja workshop, while Popit supported the event by providing gourmet popcorn for participants. The initiative combined three weeks of virtual classes with an in-person workshop and scholarship presentation ceremony held at Haraya in Abuja on August 15, 2026.

The LCF x ZIDA Empowerment Initiative is the inaugural collaboration between Lumiscape Charity Foundation and Zephyr Interior Design Academy and forms part of efforts to equip single mothers with practical skills, professional exposure and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.