Advancing Financial Inclusion: SEEPCO, VCDF, Iru LCDA Empower 100 Women through Adire Training
The Federal Government of Nigeria’s 2023–2028 Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy emphasizes practical and accessible skills development as key pathways to inclusive financial growth for women.
In support of local economic development priorities, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), with support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), partnered with the leadership of Iru Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to organize a 15-day intensive Adire-making and entrepreneurship training programme for 100 women across communities in Iru LCDA.
The programme was designed to strengthen women’s livelihood capacity by equipping participants with practical vocational skills in Adire production.
Participants were specifically trained on costing and pricing, basic record-keeping, customer service, audience segmentation, marketing, and business management. The training modules improved their ability to convert acquired skills into sustainable income for self-reliance.
At the training venue, rows of beautifully patterned fabrics swayed gently in the warm Lagos air, while the scent of wax and dye reflected the hands-on nature of the learning process. Many participants shared that the training equipped them with a new skill and renewed confidence to start or expand the adire business.
“The training was very helpful because, as a student, I need to have an income to support myself and my family. I had been waiting to learn Adire-making so I could sell, but my challenge was the oni’ko, the tying part. With what I have learned here, I can now make my own Adire and Batik materials and sell.”— Yetunde Agbaje, Participant
“I learned a lot about marketing, customer relationships, and how to create beautiful patterns on my materials. I started posting Batik pictures on my WhatsApp status, and I got three orders even before the training ended. Now, I can make my Batik materials and set up my fashion business.” — Mrs. Matanmi, Participant
The programme concluded with a well-attended closing ceremony held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Iru-Victoria Island LCDA Secretariat. The ceremony was graced by representatives of Iru LCDA, trainers, community stakeholders, VCDF officials, and all participants.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Hon. Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi, the Executive Chairman of Iru LCDA said “We commend Vcare for Development Foundation. This programme reflects our shared commitment to equip women with practical skills to sustain the local economy. Human capital development would remain central to the Iru-LCDA’s policies.’’
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of business starter packs containing essential raw materials, and work tools for immediate production of Adire, Tie and Dye, and Batik fabrics.
This support is to ease transition from training and skill acquisition to enterprise start-up and income generation.
Through this intervention, VCDF reaffirms its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility support to promote practical, inclusive, and sustainable models of women’s economic empowerment by working in close collaboration with government and community stakeholders.
The programme demonstrates how vocational training, entrepreneurship education, and starter-pack support can work together to create pathways for financial inclusion, enterprise development, and long-term livelihood resilience for grassroots women across Nigerian communities.
