In response to Nigeria’s growing unemployment rates, a Lagos-based fashion outlet is taking innovative steps to empower the nation’s youth. Cedre Expressions, operating since 2015, has pioneered a skills acquisition program that is creating opportunities in the vibrant world of fashion.

The firm’s initiative goes beyond making bespoke garments. It provides a platform for early skills acquisition, targeting children and young adults passionate about fashion and creativity. The program caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the training.

Cedre Expressions offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Students learn the fundamentals of garment making, including pattern drafting, sewing techniques, and fabric selection. The Shoe and Bag Making courses cover design, material sourcing, and production processes. A Graphic Designs/Visual Art module introduces digital tools and creative software, preparing students for opportunities in digital media.

The comprehensive nature of the program ensures that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the fashion industry. By learning pattern drafting, students understand how two-dimensional designs are transformed into three-dimensional garments. The sewing techniques taught range from basic stitches to more complex methods used in haute couture. Fabric selection education helps students understand the properties of different materials and how they affect the final product.

In the Shoe and Bag Making courses, students are exposed to the entire production process. They learn about different types of materials used in shoe and bag making, from various leathers to synthetic alternatives. The design aspect of the course encourages creativity while teaching practical skills in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing accessories.

The Graphic Designs/Visual Art module is particularly relevant in today’s digital age. Students learn to use software for creating digital fashion illustrations, designing logos, and developing marketing materials. This integration of traditional fashion skills with modern technology prepares students for the evolving landscape of the fashion industry.

Recognizing the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs, the company has also introduced an innovative Ready-to-Wear business opportunity. This program allows those with limited or no capital to start their own fashion business, using Cedre Expressions’ products and marketing support. This initiative addresses one of the major hurdles faced by aspiring entrepreneurs – the lack of start-up capital. By providing products and marketing support, Cedre Expressions enables these budding business owners to focus on building their customer base and developing their business acumen.

Behind these initiatives is Toyin Dania, the Creative Director of Cedre Expressions. “My passion for fashion was ignited by my mother, a dressmaker,” Toyin shares. “Seeing the transformative power of skills in my mum’s work, I was inspired to create opportunities for others. Our mission goes beyond fashion — it’s about empowering individuals and contributing to reducing unemployment in our world.”

Toyin’s journey in the fashion industry began during her undergraduate days when frustration with ill-fitting clothes spurred her to develop her own skills. Her diverse educational background, including degrees in Food Science and Technology, Marketing, and an MBA, brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to Cedre Expressions. This multidisciplinary approach allows the company to not only teach fashion skills but also impart business knowledge that is crucial for success in the industry.

The skills acquisition program at Cedre Expressions is designed to be flexible and accessible. It accommodates different schedules and learning paces, making it possible for participants to balance their training with other responsibilities. This flexibility is crucial in attracting a diverse range of students, from school-age children to young adults looking to change careers.

Looking to the future, the firm aims to integrate its curriculum into Nigeria’s educational system, providing students with valuable vocational skills alongside their academic studies. Cedre Expressions believes this approach will not only enhance students’ creative abilities but also prepare them for diverse career paths. By introducing these skills at the school level, the company hopes to create a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs and skilled workers who can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
The potential impact of such an integration is substantial. It could lead to a more skilled workforce in the fashion industry, potentially boosting Nigeria’s position in the global fashion market. Moreover, it could provide students with alternative career paths, reducing the pressure on traditional job markets and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

Cedre Expressions’ approach to tackling youth unemployment is multifaceted. By providing skills training, they are directly addressing the skills gap that often exists between education and employment. The Ready-to-Wear business opportunity goes a step further, creating a pathway for students to immediately apply their skills in a business context. This combination of skills training and entrepreneurship support creates a comprehensive solution to the unemployment challenge.

The call to action from Cedre Expressions is clear. They invite parents, schools, government bodies, NGOs, religious organizations, and individuals to partner with them in this mission to reduce unemployment and empower the youths. By working together, these stakeholders can create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters economic growth.

The involvement of various stakeholders is crucial for the success and scalability of this initiative. Parents can encourage their children to explore these vocational skills alongside their academic pursuits. Schools can collaborate to incorporate elements of the program into their curriculum. Government bodies can provide support through policies that encourage vocational training and entrepreneurship. NGOs and religious organizations can help reach underprivileged youth who might benefit greatly from such skills training.

“Fashion is more than just about looking good,” says Toyin. “It’s a powerful tool for economic empowerment. By teaching young people these skills, we’re investing in the future of our nation.”

Indeed, the fashion industry in Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, has seen significant growth in recent years. By training more skilled professionals, Cedre Expressions is not only addressing unemployment but also contributing to the growth of this industry. This could lead to increased local production, reducing reliance on imported fashion items and potentially opening up export opportunities for Nigerian fashion.

Cedre Expressions is more than just a fashion company; it’s a catalyst for change. By empowering young Nigerians with practical skills and business opportunities, the organization is contributing to a brighter future for the nation. As they continue to expand their programs and seek partnerships, Cedre Expressions stands as a model for how businesses can play a crucial role in addressing social challenges while pursuing their commercial interests.