Intels Ignites Futures: 62 Women Launch Dreams with Tailoring Triumphs

In a vibrant celebration of skill and ambition, Intels Nigeria Limited has marked a milestone in its long-standing commitment to women's economic upliftment. The company recently honored 62 fresh graduates from its flagship Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy, or WEPSS, equipping them with the tools to stitch their way toward independence and success in the fashion world.

The graduation ceremony buzzed with energy as top performers stepped into the spotlight. Saraphina Jacob, crowned the standout trainee of the year, walked away with a generous N2 million cash prize alongside a starter kit boasting an industrial sewing machine and a high-powered steam iron. Her eyes lit up as she shared her vision: "This isn't just an award; it's opening a door that many young women only dream of." She vowed to craft a sustainable fashion venture that would honor both her mentors and her roots.

Echoing that spirit was Obarijima Lewa, last year's top graduate, who received the keys to a fully outfitted shop ready for business. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lewa declared, "Intels has shown us that our dreams are valid, and I will work hard to justify this generous investment in my future." Fifteen other high-achievers from the latest cohort also scored essential starter kits, priming them to turn classroom lessons into thriving enterprises.

At the heart of it all stood Pasquale Fiore, Intels' managing director, whose words set the tone for the event. "We firmly believe that when women thrive, communities thrive," he proclaimed. Fiore reflected on the program's evolution, noting how it kicked off in 2013 with a bold 20-year plan to skill up 5,000 women in tailoring and design. By 2017, it had woven deeper into local fabrics, and in 2022, the initiative leveled up with shop giveaways for stars like Lewa. Today, he added, "Many of our alumnae have now established flourishing businesses, some employing others and expanding beyond their initial expectations. Seeing their shops open, seeing them support their families, and seeing the confidence they now carry is testimony to what targeted empowerment can achieve."

Nancy Freeborn, the driving force behind WEPSS as project coordinator, couldn't hide her pride. Over a decade in, she highlighted how the scheme has reshaped lives across the region, turning once-dependent women into pillars of family support and community growth. "It's about more than stitches; it's about building legacies," she said, thanking Intels' leadership for keeping the flame alive.

What started as a corporate social responsibility effort has blossomed into a powerhouse of opportunity. Through hands-on training, a "train-the-trainer" model, and tie-ups with events like the Fashion Experience Festival and Broadway-style showcases, WEPSS doesn't just teach skills—it flings open doors to creative markets and commercial savvy. Graduates, often hailing from modest beginnings, emerge not just proficient but empowered, ready to boost household incomes and spark local economies.

As these 62 women fan out to launch their labels and boutiques, their stories ripple outward, proving that a single thread of investment can weave a tapestry of change. Intels' message is clear: Excellence and grit deserve not just applause, but a launchpad. And in the hands of these trailblazers, the future of fashion looks brighter than ever.