On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) marked International Human Rights Day with an unforgettable graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 from the WELA Vocational College of Training. This remarkable event was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the boundless potential of human spirit, featuring an impressive lineup of dignitaries, partners, and well-wishers.
The ceremony, held at the Lagos Country Club, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was graced by a host of notable guests, including superstar actress Funke Akindele, renowned musician and activist Falz, and a stellar array of human rights organisations and corporate entities. Among them were the Headfort Foundation for Justice, Project Alert, Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, and CLEEN Foundation.
The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson, the Dean of the College of Law at Caleb University, who inspired the graduates with her words of wisdom and encouragement. Solidarity speeches were delivered by Mrs Rose Mordi, National President and CEO of the Down Syndrome Foundation, and Mr Temitope Akinwumi, WELA Patron and CEO of My IT University, among others.
Adding a festive flair to the occasion were special performances by Falz, whose music resonated with hope and empowerment, and a traditional cultural troupe that showcased Nigeria’s rich heritage. Funke Akindele brought her signature charm to the event, engaging with the graduates and attendees while highlighting the exceptional creations of the students.
Empowerment Through Skill and Support
A total of 17 students graduated from WELA’s Vocational College of Training, having completed their journey that began in January 2024. The graduating class comprised:
- Kaweng Sunday (Fashion Design Department).
- Gloria Oguntade (Fashion Design Department).
- Mary Ajah (Fashion Design Department).
- Sijuade Adesanya (Fashion Design Department).
- Peace Samson (Fashion Design Department).
- Comfort Ogunyemi (Catering Department).
- Blessings Eluan Idifa (Catering Department).
- Esther Ige Oluwakemi (Catering Department).
- Adenike Modinat Iwalesin (Catering Department).
- Rose Effiong (Catering Department).
- Toyin Azeez (Catering Department).
- Oluwapelumi Fagbemi (Arts & Craft / Shoemaking Department).
- Esther Musa Hosea (Arts & Craft / Shoemaking Department).
- Fatimo Kazeem Adunola (Arts & Craft / Shoemaking Department).
- Joseph Akane (Cosmetics & Beauty Department).
- Ella Akudo Ochugbua (Cosmetics & Beauty Department).
- Ilesanmi Precious (Cosmetics & Beauty Department).
These graduates, the overwhelming majority of whom are women, demonstrated remarkable dedication to their craft. Among them was a trailblazing young man who excelled as a makeup artist in the Cosmetics and Beauty Department.
To support the graduates in launching their businesses, WELA presented them with essential tools tailored to their fields of expertise:
- Fashion designers and arts and crafts/shoemaking graduates received brand-new sewing machines,
- Catering graduates were equipped with gas cookers with ovens, and
- Makeup graduates received professional makeup kits.
In addition, each graduate was awarded a WELA Vocational College of Training Certificate, a testament to their hard work and achievement.
Showcasing Talent and Building Futures
The graduates proudly displayed their creations, which included clothing, Ankara duffel and tote bags, shoes, WELA-branded sweatshirts and joggers, wigs, and hats. Guests enthusiastically supported the students by purchasing these items, reinforcing the ethos of empowerment through economic independence.
As WELA’s founder and chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Falana, SAN, remarked during the ceremony, “This is more than a graduation; it is the beginning of a journey towards self-reliance and empowerment. These graduates are not just skilled artisans; they are agents of change in their communities.”
The event concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. For WELA, this graduation was another milestone in its mission to empower underprivileged individuals through education, skill acquisition, and economic support.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2024 embarks on their entrepreneurial journeys, WELA remains committed to providing ongoing support and mentorship. These graduates exemplify the transformative power of education and opportunity, and WELA is immensely proud to have been part of their story.
Congratulations to the WELA Vocational College of Training Class of 2024! The future is yours to create, and we are cheering you on every step of the way.