The maiden edition of the Shoe-A-thon has officially commenced in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The seven-day event, spearheaded by shoemaking entrepreneur Sharon Ijuolachi Akpa, popularly known as AdaEbonyi, will run from September 24 to September 30, 2025, at Tropicana Lounge, No. 21 Aloh Street, Abakaliki.
The initiative, tagged “7 Days of Shoemaking with AdaEbonyi”, is designed to provide participants with free training in basic shoemaking skills. It aims to empower youths and women with vocational knowledge while promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the state.
The event’s opening day was marked by strong government presence. The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Business Development, Chief Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, pledged support with a donation of ₦500,000 to cover feeding for all trainees during the week-long program.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Works and the Senior Adviser to the Ebonyi State Governor on New Media, both of whom commended the initiative as a bold step in advancing skill acquisition and youth empowerment in the state.
Sharon Ijuolachi Akpa, founder of the AdaEbonyi School of Leather Works, expressed appreciation to the government officials for their support. She stated that the Shoe-A-thon reflects her commitment to making shoemaking accessible and inspiring, especially for young people and women interested in vocational skills.
Over the course of the week, participants will undergo practical sessions covering the fundamentals of shoemaking. The program is expected to attract a large turnout, with trainees benefiting from hands-on training and mentorship opportunities.
The Shoe-A-thon is considered one of the first public, week-long shoemaking projects of its kind in Nigeria, and observers note that it has the potential to position Ebonyi as a hub for creative craftsmanship and small-scale industry.
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