By Jimitota Onoyume

A celebrity cobbler Mr Stephen Owoicho Audu, has appealed to government, corporate and individuals for partnerships to train more cobblers in the country, urging youths to embrace shoe making skill.

Audu in a chat with the Vanguard newspaper said when youths acquire vocational skills it will add value to their drive for economic relevance in the country.

He said he produces over a hundred pairs of luxury shoes every week alongside other items such as exquisite leather bangles, phone pouches, wallets, bracelets, jackets, etc.

Audi said he was willing to partner with corporate bodies , religious organizations, governments and even individuals to train more youths in the skill.

He said he was already training youths on shoe making skills and he wanted to expound the opportunity.

With a shop tucked somewhere in between MTN Link Road, beside Access Bank, Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt , Rivers State, his shoes, bags and other leather items on display compete favourably with foreign products in quality and design.

Audu holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education, NCE from the College of Education,Oju, in Benue State. He said he started making and selling shoes from his Junior Secondary School days, adding that he used the proceeds to support his education to a large extent with support from his parents.

He currently runs a vocational training programme on shoe making in partnership with some churches, schools he calls “Every Home Needs a Skill” . He said he trains young ones both males and females from the churches and schools.

So far, his institute — Owibata Institute Di Shoemaking, has trained over 50 graduates and undergraduates who are fully established in the craft.