By Felix Ukah

Copyright independent

An Abakaliki-based shoemaker, Sharon Ijuolachi Akpa, is set to host a one-week open-space shoemaking project aimed at empowering youths with practical skills and promoting self-reliance.

The free shoemaking training, scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 30, will take place at Tropicana Restaurant, 21 Aloh Street, behind Green Park, Abakaliki.

Akpa said the initiative is designed to equip young people with hands-on shoemaking skills while also donating most of the footwear produced during the training to local schools.

“What if I told you that you can learn the basics of shoemaking in just one week—for free? This is my way of showing how far you can go as a skilled professional. It’s about sharing my journey and inspiring others to become self-reliant,” she said.

She shared that her shoemaking journey began during her National Youth Service year and has since grown into a successful business—one that also enabled her to open a restaurant.

“I want to encourage young people, especially girls, to consider shoemaking. I started this journey right after university. Today, it has made me self-reliant and even helped me launch another business,” Akpa added.

She emphasized that the project also seeks to challenge gender stereotypes by encouraging more young women to pursue crafts traditionally dominated by men.

The week-long open-space training will offer participants practical sessions, peer networking opportunities, and the inspiration to explore creativity as a sustainable path to financial independence.