Fashion is more than fabric and stitching—it’s expression, identity, and a pathway to opportunity. At IDC KASEDA, Tudun Matawalle, Katsina, dozens of passionate individuals, mostly youth and women, gathered to turn their creativity into skill through the Fashion Design track of the 9jafoodfiesta Empowerment Program.
This skill-building initiative is part of a bold national movement led by 9jafoodfiesta, aiming to empower 2,000 youths, women, and persons with disabilities in each of Nigeria’s 36 states—a target that will impact over 72,000 lives nationwide. In Katsina, the program was successfully delivered in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, under the leadership of Hajiya Hadiza Yar’adua.
Participants at the IDC KASEDA training centre were enrolled in free weekend classes that focused not just on tailoring but also on how to build a sustainable fashion business. The training covered:
- Basic Tailoring and Sewing Techniques
- Introduction to Pattern Drafting and Design Structures
- Fashion Business Setup and Branding Fundamentals
What made this centre stand out was the level of dedication displayed by the trainees. Some didn’t even own sewing machines at home, yet they went the extra mile—completing assignments using only needles and thread. That’s the spirit of transformation this program is igniting.
“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but I didn’t know where to start. This training has given me not just the skills, but the confidence to begin,” shared one of the beneficiaries.
The training ran for four weeks, with classes held every Saturday and Sunday, making it easy for participants to balance learning with other responsibilities.
Now that the training has come to an end, participants are looking forward to:
- Receiving their certificates of completion
- Attending the grand closing ceremony
- And hopefully, being supported with start-up packs by the Katsina State Government, so they can begin turning their new skills into income-generating ventures
Fashion, for many of these trainees, is more than a trade—it’s a lifeline. With support from government and community leaders, and coordination by 9jafoodfiesta, they are now better equipped to create, earn, and thrive.
Stay tuned for more inspiring highlights from the remaining training centres in the 9jafoodfiesta Katsina empowerment story.
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