Coordinator of the National Sewing Championship 2024, Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya has canvassed for a culture of work in Nigeria, where youths can earn money through their skills, reducing reliance on certificates alone. 
The initiative has already shown success, with 10 young people from last year’s competition now running their own businesses.
Osikoya who is a former commissioner for Education in Kpgi State envisions a future where Nigeria can participate in global vocational skills competitions, showcasing the country’s talents and promoting small-scale industries.
She urged governments at all levels to key into the initiatives to engage more youths with functional skills to tame insecurity and provide them with job opportunities.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the venue of the championship, Osikoya indicated that the championship is to identify and nurture talents in various vocational skills, especially tailoring, electrical work, and road maintenance.
The competition, organized by the Ladi Memorial Foundation, is part of the Skillup Nigeria project which seeks to equip young people with skills in tailoring.
She lauded the support of organizations like UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the FCT administration, which have subsidized the costs for contestants.
“The ultimate goal is to create a reward system that identifies and celebrates unique potentials, providing incentives for youths to develop their skills and become self-sufficient.
“By doing so, the initiative aims to reduce crime, incentivize entrepreneurship, and promote a culture of work in Nigeria.
“The National Sewing Championship 2024 (NSC24) held state and FCT qualifying competitions on August 21, 2024, with 1,400 contestants aged 12-22.
“The championship aims to identify and promote vocational talents, encourage students to develop vocational skills, and support technical and vocational education.
“With the support of 26 states, FCT, and federal partners, the championship seeks to promote quality education and self-reliance.
“The top 54 contestants will compete in the finals and upskilling sewing boot camp in September. Prizes will be awarded, and stakeholders are solicited to provide funding support to make the championship accessible to all and promote vocational skills development.”
Director of National Business and Technical Education Support Abuja office, Ruth Gyeyok Popoola said
the competition has two sections: a written test and a practical session. The written test shed said assesses the candidates’ basic knowledge of sewing techniques, while the practical session evaluates their ability to apply the skills in a real-world setting.
“The competition is open to students in junior and senior secondary schools, as well as those who are out of school. The winners will receive starter packs, including sewing machines and threads, and will have the opportunity to participate in a boot camp where they will undergo further training and certification.
Popoola emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in Nigeria, particularly in the face of high unemployment rates, as she called on the government to support initiatives like the Skillup Nigeria project, which aims to equip young people with skills that can make them self-sufficient and employable.
She said the competition will produce three winners who will receive certification and be recognized as skilled tailors.
According to her, the certification is recognized globally and can be presented at embassies when applying for visas.