In contemporary Nigeria, where the high cost of living is an ever-present reality and disposable income remains tight for many, stories of selfless giving are often rare and remarkable. Yet, one woman in Akwa Ibom State is steadily rewriting that narrative—using her personal success to invest in the future of others and breaking new ground in women’s empowerment through skill acquisition.
For five consecutive years, the CEO of Elegant Stitches, a prominent fashion brand based in Akwa Ibom, has offered free training programs to women, providing them with essential skills to become financially independent. Her efforts stand out amid reports that most Nigerian small businesses struggle even to make ends meet, let alone invest in charity.
Ms. Eyen, a holder of a master’s degree in theatre arts from the University of Ibadan, began her fashion journey with humble beginnings—using a borrowed sewing machine and transforming her small bedroom into a budding workshop. She was compelled by a personal experience: after facing rejection at a tailor’s shop where her request for a minor amendment to her dress was denied, she resolved to turn her frustration into a force for good. This pivotal moment planted the seed for what has become a beacon of support for dozens of women in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Today, Ms. Eyen’s business has flourished. She manages a thriving fashion shop in Uyo, but she has never lost sight of her core mission. Through a consistent empowerment initiative embedded within her business operations, she channels her professional growth back into the community, ensuring others have opportunities she once struggled to find.
Her annual six-month free fashion training has, as of 2023, directly impacted 320 women, according to figures reportedly supplied by Ms. Eyen herself. The graduation ceremonies, sometimes shared on Facebook, exemplify the joy and pride felt by both mentor and mentees. In a message posted alongside such photos, she wrote, “That smile of fulfilment and gratitude on the faces of the beneficiaries gladdens my heart every blessed time.”
“I am so humble and grateful for the little lives I have been able to touch,” Ms. Eyen added. “Dear Lord, give me the strength to do more.” Her words: a testament to her humility and unwavering commitment to service.
In a recent conversation with PREMIUM TIMES, Ms. Eyen detailed the numerous challenges of sustaining such an initiative. “Running this free training hasn’t been easy, especially when all my machines get broken down by the trainees and I am made to pay for the repairs alone. But did I stop? No! I get them fixed and continue because it’s expected.”
She revealed that dealing with unappreciative or unruly trainees can be demotivating, confirming the popular saying that “people don’t take free things seriously.” Regardless, she stays undaunted, choosing instead to focus her efforts on those willing to learn. “So far, I have recorded many positive impacts, and that keeps me going,” she said.
According to her, financing the free training requires significant determination and sacrifice. The programme is sustained solely from the income generated by paying clients and trainees; so far, she has not received any assistance from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or private sponsors. “I have trained 320 ladies in the past five years,” she noted, clarifying that 100 benefited as paying participants, while 220 received their training entirely free of charge.
Ms. Eyen’s social impact work closely aligns with Akwa Ibom State’s broader development goals. Under the Arise Agenda—a policy framework designed to boost self-reliance and reduce youth unemployment—Governor Umo Eno has prioritized both agriculture and entrepreneurship as viable pathways to economic empowerment.
Recently, the state government launched a new upskilling programme at the Dakadda Skills Centre in Uyo, ushering over 500 young trainees into an intensive training initiative. According to official sources, this programme, recognized as Ibom LED training, includes diverse skill areas such as fashion design, ICT, agro-business, catering, and creative arts. Trainees also acquire critical business skills—including financial literacy, business planning, and digital marketing, which are essential for sustaining and scaling their ventures after graduation.
Participants who complete the scheme are eligible for business start-up grants. The hope, according to the governor’s office, is that such investment will spur innovation and economic competitiveness within and beyond Akwa Ibom. A spokesperson explained, “This is about building a generation of self-reliant youths who can innovate, employ others, and contribute to the larger economy.”
Despite the government’s investment—reportedly costing billions of naira annually—Ms. Eyen continues her own initiative without any outside funding or institutional backing. For many local observers, this contrast is striking, as it highlights what one Nigerian can achieve with ingenuity, persistence, and a desire to give back.
Experts and community leaders in Akwa Ibom have praised initiatives like Ms. Eyen’s as vital complements to government efforts. According to economic analyst Johnson Ufot, “Financial empowerment schemes led by private citizens plug gaps that state programmes sometimes miss. They can be more flexible and reach vulnerable groups quickly—especially women looking to become self-sufficient.”
The local impact has been tangible. Testimonials from former Elegant Stitches trainees reveal life-changing outcomes. Mary Effiong, a mother of two, explained, “Before I joined the training, I was idle and depended on my husband’s income. Now, I take orders and earn my own money. It has restored my dignity.” Another beneficiary, Bassey Udo, said, “Apart from sewing, I learned how to sell my clothes on social media. Ms. Eyen made us believe we can succeed with our skills.”
Nevertheless, the environment remains tough for small business owners and social entrepreneurs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate has hovered above 30% for youth in recent years, and access to soft loans or start-up capital for micro-businesses remains limited. In this context, free training initiatives can open doors for those otherwise shut out of formal employment or technical education.
Policy analysts argue that more structured partnerships between thriving small businesses and government programmes are needed. “If empowered with grants or tax incentives, people like Ms. Eyen could scale up their efforts, potentially doubling the number of women they can train each year,” said Ifeoma Osagie, a Lagos-based women’s development advocate.
Yet for Ms. Eyen, the motivation is personal, not financial. Her advice to other artisans and entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Don’t wait until you have plenty. Start with the people around you. When you touch one life, you’ve touched millions.”
As Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African nations grapple with joblessness and economic uncertainty, locally led empowerment programmes—whether small or large—can hold the key to more inclusive, sustainable growth. The ripple effects of one woman’s determination can be felt across her community, and even inspire similar change elsewhere on the continent.
How are local businesses or individuals making a difference in your community? Share your thoughts below and let’s continue the conversation about building a stronger, more self-reliant Africa—one skill at a time.
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