Christiana Afagbor is the CEO of Iyk Charity Bag. She is an SSCE holder who hails from Ika South LGA. She was enrolled into the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2015/2016 cycle.
She was trained and established in Fashion Design and Tailoring. Being one of the pioneers of STEP, she has remained active in business; she is determined to succeed. She diversified into leather works and she has three trainees currently working with her. She shares her story.
‘’When I finished SSCE, it was my desire to further my studies. This dream was cut short because I lost my father. My mother, a petty trader, left to shoulder this responsibility was not able to cater for my education alongside my elder brother’s and sister’s. I had to acquire a skill in tailoring in order to survive and support my mother.
“STEP opportunity presented itself. After training and establishment in fashion design and tailoring, I opened my shop and started off. Barely two years in the business, I diversified into leather works, having acquired the skill from my neighbour.
“I converted the manual tailoring machine given me to a leather making machine. I make leather bags and sell them in my shop. I also sell leather materials for bag making; I do souvenirs on contract for clients during marriages and burials.
“From my business, I have bought three manual machines to the initial one I had. I have trained three persons in leather bag making who have opened their own shops. I bought a motor bike and support my family from the proceeds of my business. So far, my life has become better and I am determined to support my children to acquire the education that I had no opportunity to have. I hope to be the biggest leather bag producer in my domain and beyond. Many thanks to Governor Okowa for this programme which is a blessing to the youths.’’
By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Charles Chiejina
