The Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has empowered beneficiaries of the ARISE 31 Designers at Uyo Fashion Week 2026 with industrial sewing machines and cash grants, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and the growth of the creative economy.
The empowerment programme, held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Pastor Patience Umo Eno Auditorium, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, was organised in partnership with Uyo Fashion Week. It celebrated talented young designers who distinguished themselves on the ARISE 31 Runway during the 2026 edition of the Uyo Fashion Week.
Speaking at the event, the President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Uwemedimo, described the initiative as another step in the association’s commitment to equipping young people with the skills, tools and opportunities needed to build successful careers in fashion.
She noted that fashion has evolved beyond clothing to become a major driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation, stressing that investing in young designers is an investment in the future of Akwa Ibom State. Mrs Uwemedimo also appreciated the 31 Local Government Chairmen for sponsoring the initiative and creating a platform for the beneficiaries to showcase their creativity at the 2026 Uyo Fashion Week.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, commended WALGON for sustaining initiatives that identify, nurture and support emerging talents. She also applauded ALGON for its commitment to investing in young people and strengthening community development.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Lady Obareki said, “Today, you are not just receiving industrial sewing machines and seed cash; you are receiving the keys to your financial independence.”
Earlier, the Convener of Uyo Fashion Week, Lady Mae Edmonds, described the event as a platform created to discover, nurture and promote creative talents. She thanked the Chairman of ALGON, Dr Uwemedimo E. Udo, and WALGON for supporting the ARISE 31 Designers and giving them the opportunity to showcase their craft on the Uyo Fashion Week runway.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Inibehe Etukudoh; the Member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Itoroobong Etim, PhD; the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area, Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, who represented the Chairman of ALGON, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Uwemedimo Udo; the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Inemesit Uwah, PhD; former WALGON President, Mrs Maria-Therese Robson; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet; and the female Vice Chairmen of Local Government Councils, led by the Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
In their separate remarks, the speakers commended His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for promoting the ARISE vision across the state, noting that his support for Local Government Councils has continued to create opportunities that empower women and young people.
The high point of the event was the presentation of industrial sewing machines and cash grants to the beneficiaries, as well as an Award of Honour presented to Lady Obareki in recognition of her support for WALGON. The programme also featured a “Shop for Free” segment, where beneficiaries received clothing at no cost through the support of the organisers of Uyo Fashion Week as part of their commitment to giving back to society.
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