Zof Nike Arts Foundation, Chief Nike Okundaye, in partnership with the United States Embassy in Nigeria held a training and empowerment workshop for 30 women at the Osun State capital, Osogbo.
The focus of the workshop, which was held at Nike Art Gallery, Oshogbo between October 22 and November 12, was aimed at empowering women to contribute immensely to the economic growth of the nation. The workshop attracted five facilitators drawn from the state.
The participants, who are between ages 18 and 25, were trained in tie and dye using different methods, bead making and crafting with beads as well as Aso-oke weaving.
According to Okundaye, the workshop is to help develop the younger generation, empower through skill acquisition. “We trained the participants in Adireleko, which is hand-painted with chicken’s feather and cassava paste. Also we trained them on Adire alabela, which is hand-painted with wax, pillows wax process. We also trained them in beads making. So, the last one is hand-woven involving women’s loom, which is one of the dying arts. We have four training workshops in Nigeria, which American Embassy has always been one of our big supporters.
“So, we are going to hold another one in Lagos by February or January next year. Beyond training in these crafts we also train them on how to sell their works. Each one will have a mentor, she said.
One of the five facilitators and workshop manager, Mr. Lawal Saheed said the workshop is a timely intervention for many women especially this trying time of the nation economy.
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He disclosed that the workshop also serves as one of the places students in the state can undergo their internship before returning to school. “The participants were really happy learning new skills that can use to make money; and the training were free. And all the materials that they are using are free too.”
One of the participants, Akande Priscilla Boluwatife said of her experiences at the workshop. “I’m one of the participants of the workshop. So far, I’ve been able to learn how to make tie and dye, different styles, and batik using different techniques and stuff like that. We were able to learn bead making, earrings, using Ankara for wood cover and to make slippers, and that has really, really been impactful. I will like this organisation to still come up with something like this in the future so as to help other people to have at least certain skills to make money, especially as a lady. And thanks to Nike Art Gallery and US Embassy for bringing this opportunity. It has been a really fulfilling experience.”