* Trains them on making bags, slippers with Adire, Ankara
* Use social media to promote your crafts: Deputy Governor
Prominent faith-based organisation, Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women), has trained 39 women in Ogun State in the art of shoe and bag making from locally made Adire and Ankara fabrics.
The organisation on Wednesday, 25th September 2024 held a graduation ceremony for the trainees at the Women Development Centre Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, the state capital, where they were also presented certificates.
Muslim News learnt that the initiative was spearheaded by the Entrepreneur Office of Al-Mu’minaat
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the National Amirah of the organisation, Hajia Jelilat Abdul Hamid, said the free training was in line with the organisation’s mission to empower Muslim women and build a strong Muslim community through education and welfare projects for self-actualization and sustainable national development.
According to the Amirah, beneficiaries were thoroughly selected for the training as there were set criteria that were strictly followed.
“It is with great sense of joy and achievement that we are graduating Muslim women who hitherto have suffered neglect in the scheme of things because very few people look their way for empowerment,” the Amirah said.
“We have been contributing to the advancement of women in general and Muslim women in particular for close to three decades as an organisation, thus, inching towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This achievement will impact positively on at least five of the 17 SDGs, namely goals 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10.
“It is our desire to ensure that Muslim women are empowered enough to contribute their quota to the growth and development of their families, local communities and the nation at large. This will just be a fantasy and unattainable if we do not take the bull by the horn by offering free training to our women folks. So we “walk the talk” of development where no one is left behind.”
The National Amirah stated that the training would be replicated in other states of the country, calling for support and partnership from well-meaning individuals and organisations.
The training in Ogun State took place in two centers, both in Abeokuta, the state capital, and Ijebu-Ode, between 6th and 16th August , 2024
Hajia Abdul Hamid congratulated the graduands, noting they would serve as trainers to other women.
“We thank the Rector of the Women Development Centre Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State for making the facility available for the training at Abeokuta and all donors who have supported us in cash and in kind. JazakumuLlahu Khaeran Jazaa,” she added.
Journey to financial independence starts with skills acquisition: Hajia AbdusSatar
In her keynote speech titled ‘Financial Independence through Skill Empowerment’, the Director of Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Hajia Aminah AbdusSatar said the journey to financial independence starts with the acquisition of relevant and marketable skills.
According to her, “we live in a world where skills are the currency of success.
“You women who have learned the beautiful and traditional craft of making Adire and Ankara bags, now hold that currency in your hands. Adire and Ankara are not just fabrics; they are a testament to African heritage, identity, and creativity. By mastering the art of transforming these fabrics into fashionable, functional bags, you have not only preserved a rich cultural tradition but also unlocked the door to financial freedom.
“This is skill empowerment in its truest form, taking something from your culture and crafting it into something that the world wants, something that can generate income, stability, and opportunity,” she said.
The keynote speaker said financial independence comes from the ability to generate one’s own income, which the new skills have offered the women trained by Al-Mu’minaat.
She charged the beneficiaries to continue to hone their skills, noting skill empowerment is a lifelong journey.
“One of the most powerful aspects of skill empowerment is that it equips you with something that no one can take away: your knowledge, expertise, and craftsmanship. These skills can be continuously improved, refined, and diversified. They give you the foundation to create not just one product, but an entire business; an entire brand.
“The world is increasingly looking for unique, handmade products that tell a story. Adire and Ankara bags are not just items for daily use; they are pieces of art, each with its own unique design and narrative. By tapping into this growing market for authentic, locally made products, you are positioning yourselves as creators in an industry that values originality and cultural depth.
“As you continue to develop your craft, you will need to diversify your offerings, innovate in design, and adapt to the demands of your customers. Whether it’s through learning new techniques, expanding into different types of products, or even collaborating with others in the industry, your growth will be fueled by your willingness to learn, adapt, and improve.”
The keynote speaker also underlined the need for beneficiaries to transform their skills into a thriving business, saying that will not only benefit them, but also their immediate community.
“The beauty of entrepreneurship is that it doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits your community. When you succeed, you create jobs, inspire other women, and contribute to the economic development of your region. You become role models for others, showing that skill empowerment and financial independence are achievable through hard work, creativity, and resilience.”
Take advantage of social media in promoting your crafts: Deputy Governor
For her part, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimat Salako, commended Al-Mu’minaat for organising the training, describing it as wonderful and thought inspiring.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by one of her aides, Mrs Khadijah Ahmed, advised beneficiaries to take advantage of social media in promoting their crafts.
She, however, emphasised the need to be honest and diligent while leveraging the social media for business.
“When you showcase your products on the internet, especially platforms like Facebook, IG, etc, you will sell massively. The social media is a small global environment, and the world has become smaller due to it.
“There’s someone I usually buy Hijab and Khimar from. She lives at Alagbole. I did not know her and have never seen her. She sends my package to me through delivery. That’s how she sells, without even seeing me. That is made possible through the internet.
“You too can showcase your creative on the internet. But while doing this, be truthful, God-fearing, and honest. Whatever they order, make sure same is what is delivered and without delay. That way, your business will grow, and Allah will bless your business.”
The initiative aligns with our activities, says Ogun Women Ministry
Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ogun State, Mrs Jenrade, commended Al-Mu’minaat for the initiative, saying it aligns with their work at the ministry.
“I’m so delighted with Al-Mu’minaat for coming up with this initiative. Under the ministry of women affairs and social development, we have one department that deals with empowerment, which is women empowerment service. We can partner and collaborate in empowering our girls and women.”
It was a big opportunity for me: Graduand
One of the graduands, Olowolayemo Medinat Omowumi from Ijebu-Ode, appreciated Al-Mu’minaat for the training, which she said was a big opportunity for her.
“I learned a lot on how to make Ankara and Adire bags. Though the programme was for two weeks, learners who were serious enough would have gained something tangible,” she said.
She encouraged the organisers to continue the training programme, noting many people are in need of such opportunities.
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