The Federal Government of Nigeria’s 2023–2028 Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy emphasises practical and accessible skills development as key pathways to inclusive financial growth for women.

In support of local economic development priorities, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), partnered with the leadership of Iru Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to organise a 15-day intensive Adire-making and entrepreneurship training programme for 100 women across communities in Iru LCDA.

The programme was designed to strengthen women’s livelihood capacity by equipping participants with practical vocational skills in Adire production.

Participants were specifically trained on costing and pricing, basic record-keeping, customer service, audience segmentation, marketing, and business management. The training modules improved their ability to convert acquired skills into sustainable income for self-reliance.

At the training venue, participants shared that the training equipped them with a new skill and renewed confidence to start or expand the adire business.

“The training was very helpful because as a student, I need to have an income to support myself and my family. I had been waiting to learn Adire-making so I could sell, but my challenge was the oni’ko, the tying part. With what I have learned here, I can now make my materials and sell,” said Yetunde Agbaje.

“I learned a lot about marketing, customer relationships and how to create beautiful patterns on my materials. I started posting Batik pictures on my WhatsApp status, and I got three orders even before the training ended. Now, I can make my Batik materials and set up my fashion business,” another participant disclosed.

The programme ended with a well-attended closing ceremony at the Iru-Victoria Island LCDA Secretariat, graced by representatives of Iru LCDA, trainers, community stakeholders, VCDF officials and participants.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, the chair of Iru LCDA said, “We commend VCDF and this training reflects our shared commitment to equip women with practical skills to sustain the local economy. Human capital development would remain central to the Iru-LCDA’s policies.’’

A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of business starter packs containing essential raw materials and work tools for immediate production of Adire, Tie and Dye and Batik fabrics.

This support is to ease transition from training and skill acquisition to enterprise start-up and income generation.

Through this intervention, VCDF reaffirms its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility support to promote practical, inclusive, and sustainable models of women’s economic empowerment by working in close collaboration with government and community stakeholders.