My journey in fashion, youth empowerment defined by purpose, says Oge Ayodele

He worked closely with students, encouraging them to see their talents as viable economic tools and helping them understand that with the right skills, they could create value for themselves and their communities.

By 2019, he had taken this passion a step further to the NYSC orientation camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, where he trained corps members in fashion design and vocational skills. These sessions were designed to be practical and impactful, giving participants skills they could immediately apply.

Recognizing the need for continuity, he went beyond the camp environment to organise post-camp training programmes, offering mentorship and continued learning opportunities for those who wanted to deepen their knowledge and build sustainable ventures.

During his service year in Jos, he expanded these efforts through my Community Development Service (CDS), organising structured ICT and skill acquisition training for corps members. What began as a localized initiative grew into a large-scale impact project, reaching over 10,000 corps members across Plateau State, Oyo State, Osun State and Lagos State.

These trainings equipped participants with relevant digital and vocational skills, improved their productivity, and prepared them for opportunities beyond their service year. The initiative gained recognition for its impact, leading to my nomination for a State Award under the CDS category.

He said: “Alongside these social impact efforts, I remained committed to building and expanding my fashion brand. What began as a passion evolved into a structured and growing enterprise driven by creativity, quality, and innovation. Through continuous improvement, hands-on practice, and engagement with clients and trainees, I refined my craft and built a brand that continues to gain recognition.

Training others became an extension of the brand itself, transforming it from just a business into a platform for empowerment. By mentoring aspiring designers and sharing practical knowledge, I have contributed to the growth of emerging talents within the fashion industry.

“Till date, I remain actively engaged as a trainer, working with both corps members and individuals who are passionate about learning fashion and vocational skills within my fashion house. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, I continue to empower people with the tools they need to become self-reliant and professionally skilled.

Over time, this dual focus on enterprise and empowerment has allowed Oge to scale both impact and business growth simultaneously. His fashion brand continues to evolve, while his commitment to training and mentoring remains unwavering.

“From classrooms in Ile-Ife to orientation camps in Iseyin and large-scale initiatives in Jos, this journey reflects a consistent dedication to service, growth, and nation-building. It stands as a testament to the belief that when passion meets purpose, and skills are shared intentionally, true and lasting impact is created.”

“My passion for education also influenced my back-to-school project where we have donated books, bags and others to students in various schools.