On April 30, 2025, the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Abia State, witnessed a grand celebration of fashion and empowerment as Ethnocentrique Limited, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, graduated 2,000 young fashion enthusiasts from the Fashion Future Program. The event, dubbed “The Fashion Games 2025,” was graced by dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his entourage.
The Fashion Future Program is a transformative skill and local economy development initiative that aims to empower young individuals, including fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and people with disabilities. The program provides training and mentorship in various aspects of fashion, including garment making, shoe making, and bag making.
The graduation ceremony featured a parade by the 2,000 graduates, as well as master craft professionals who trained the youth participants. Speeches were delivered by prominent dignitaries, including the Abia State Governor, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, and the CEO of Ethnocentrique Limited.
The event also showcased exhibitions by fashion entrepreneurs, highlighting their skills in cloth making, shoe making, and bag making.
A graduate and beneficiary of the Fashion Future Program, Mr. Obinna Joshua, delivered a valedictory speech, expressing gratitude to Ethnocentrique Limited and Mastercard Foundation for providing the opportunity for training and empowerment.
In a chat with one of the trained youth participants, Miss Olanma Okoro, who was trained in ladies cloth making expressed joy and happiness for having given the opportunity to get skilled in the fashion industry of making ladies clothing and promised that she would utilize such skill in catering for herself and siblings and be an employer of labour.
The event was graced by many dignitaries which include: the Executive Governor of Abia State- Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR, and his entourage, the Chief of Staff Abia State – Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Mrs. Irunna Ejibe – CEO Ethnocentrique limited, Mrs. Rosy Finn – Country Director MasterCard Foundation Nigeria and her entourage, Mrs. Rose Akor- Abia State Head, Bank of Industry, Representatives from Airtel telecommunication network, representatives from FCMB, Fidelity Bank, NNPC and many others.
Some of the cohorts on parade include Fashion trailblazers class 1, Emerald Tunic team, Royal fashionistas class 5, the Achievers Leather Craftsmen, Heritage Cohort, Synergy superstars, Glams squad, Unique Cohort class 4, Stylez squad among others.
The Fashion Games 2025 was a resounding success, as each of the 2000 youth participant graduating received their starter packs for onward showcasing Aba to the World. This demonstrated the impact of the Fashion Future Program in empowering young people with skills and confidence to succeed in the fashion industry. The event was a testament to the commitment of Ethnocentrique Limited and Mastercard Foundation to promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria through fashion and entrepreneurship.
