On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Don Bosco Stitches, the fashion design institute of the Provincial Development Organism (PDO), ANN, celebrated the graduation of its Cohort 10 participants after completing a 3-month intensive fashion training program.
The ceremony took place at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Iju, bringing together graduating students, new intakes (Cohort 11), instructors, coordinators, friends, and well-wishers.
The event kicked off with an opening prayer, followed by the MC, Mr. Steve, who shared the inspiration behind the founding of Don Bosco Stitches in 2020. He highlighted success stories from past participants who now work with top fashion brands or run their own businesses, some even training others for free as a way to give back.
Mr. Steve emphasised PDO’s commitment to empowering vulnerable youth through future programs in agriculture, ICT, media, and a new mobile training project in partnership with Young Africa International. This mobile workshop will extend across Don Bosco TVET centres in Lagos, Ondo, Onitsha, and Abuja.
Participants proudly introduced themselves and their fashion brands. Many shared how they enrolled with no prior knowledge but now feel confident, skilled, and business-ready, with branding and identity as part of their training.
Fr. Anthony Odior, representing Fr. Chikezie, the Rector, encouraged the graduates to shine their light and become change-makers. He urged them to pursue excellence, step out of their comfort zones, and engage in industry networking to grow professionally.
Mrs. Angel Udot, freehand instructor at Don Bosco Stitches, encouraged graduates to stay resilient and embrace new trends. She advised them to be their own models, wearing their designs to attract clients. In a chat with Art43Media, she expressed joy at the transformation she witnessed and commended the curriculum, which covers both freehand and pattern drafting. While the institute no longer provides starter packs due to past misuse, it offers full access to training materials, completely free of charge.
She proudly noted that all 14 participants who began the program completed it, a milestone for Don Bosco Stitches.
Ms. Jennifer, the pattern instructor, added that the rigorous training builds discipline and industry-readiness. According to her, “These students are equipped with both technical and soft skills that make them stand out, even without further training.”
Ms. Omole Motunrayo, a proud graduate, said, “I didn’t believe I could become this good in three months, but our instructors pushed us to succeed.” She encouraged the new batch to take the training seriously, noting that everything needed for success is already in place.
Ms. Adaeze joined the program to save money on patronising tailors but left with a new vision to build her fashion brand and impact the industry.
Ms. Christian, a new intake, shared her excitement and inspiration after seeing the impressive designs by Cohort 10. She looks forward to her journey with gratitude and high expectations.
The event ended joyfully with music, refreshments, and appreciation gifts from the graduates to their instructors. We wish all the graduating students a successful journey on this path, and we look forward to celebrating with the new intake at the end of their training.
Congratulations to all the participants. Batch10! We mooovee!!!!