*Targets More Countries for Export
*Ezenwa: Le Look is the Master of the Game
In a bid to consolidate on the strides it has made in the last four decades, Le Look Nigeria Limited is targeting youth that will carry its flag far beyond where it is presently just as it seeks to create employment opportunities so that young school leavers will no longer roam the streets seeking for non-existent jobs.
It also promised to export its products to more countries across the globe besides unveiling a new digital platform called Just Bags to provide easy access for the procurement of its products.
In the same vein, it has unveiled what it called “Le Look Fellows”, a mentorship initiative through which the youth can be introduce entrepreneurs to continental trade opportunities.
These were disclosed by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Le Look Nigeria Limited, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Florence Onyeagom Ezenwa recently at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the firm marked its 40 years of its establishment.
Describing the digital platform as the “Amazon of African bags,” Ezenwa who was the erstwhile Acting Managing Director and CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said the platform unveiled to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the firm was designed to unite African bag makers under one marketplace, expand visibility for local artisans, and position African prints as a global fashion statement.
Her words: “I thought about Just Bags because we are not the only ones making bags, and the more the merrier. If we have all the bag makers in Nigeria on the platform, the world will see this as the go-to place for bags. It might even attract foreign direct investment because people will see consistent quality products coming out of Africa.
“Just Bags will allow African manufacturers to collectively take on bulk orders that individual producers cannot handle alone. There is no way I alone can produce a million bags at once. But if I train others and we come together, then with Just Bags, we can meet those demands. Producing African prints are the only way we can promote our heritage and our culture. If you cannot wear it, at least you can carry it.”
The retired public servant turned entrepreneur maintained that there is a huge market for African prints across the globe, especially among Europeans.
According to Ezenwa who retired as a Director in the Federal Ministry of Transportation more than a decade ago, the international appeal for African prints has caught up with many Europeans, particularly the Germans that are fond of “Adire” fabrics. The high number of Africans that have caught the “japa fever” has created a demand for African fabrics overseas.
The celebration of the 40 years of the company was a two-in-one event as there was a night of tributes, exhibition, fashion show showcasing Le Look unique, afro-centric luxury lifestyle branded bags as well as awards to some outstanding employees and individuals that have helped the company to attain its present height in business.
These individuals include the pioneer Director General and CEO, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro.
According to Ezenwa who will clock 75 early next year, the celebration of the firm marked a major milestone, celebrating 40 years of global impact and dedication to empowering entrepreneurs in Africa. This is the basis of the theme of this event, “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”
Founded in 1985, Le Look Nigeria Limited has grown from a small women-led business into a globally recognized manufacturer of high-quality bags, exporting to individuals and organisations across the globe.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the firm has over the years stayed true to its mission statement of strengthening local manufacturing, creating jobs, and transferring skills to women and youth including those with disabilities.
It also has a training school, Le Look Academy (LBA) where it provides hands-on training in bag-making and digital skills, equipping learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the dynamic global landscape.
LBA is presently located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Enugu and Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
To ensure its sustenance, LBA has partnered with international and government institutions such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative is meant to promote trade and build capacities in the African continent.
The strides that the firm has made over the years have not gone unnoticed as it has received notable recognition, including being the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) to receive the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Speaking on the sidelines of the event which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life including stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy, Ezenwa told newsmen that the anniversary celebration is not just a milestone but a call to sustain entrepreneurship in Africa’s fast-changing economy.
She linked her vision to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which she described as a “prosperity highway” and a “game changer” for African businesses.
She revealed that in the next one year, I will be in at least three more African countries thanks to AfCFTA,
As part of the celebration, students from several tertiary institutions had pitched their innovative ideas for business growth, mentorship and collaboration with Le Look and the brightest minds were co-opted as Le Look Ambassadors in their respective institutions.
These include students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Caleb University, and Yaba College of Technology.
The top three students also received N1million, N500, 000 and N300, 000 cash prizes respectively while five other participants got N100, 000 each just as her long-serving employees were also given awards.
Those who graced the occasion include the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; first ever female Director General of NIMASA, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro; Chairman, Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello and his wife; former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and Minister for Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Chairman, Nigeria Port Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sumonu; and the Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN.
Others are the Director General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Azubuike; former Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke; former Director General, NCS, Mrs. Ify Akerele; CEO AML Bonded Terminal, Mrs. Affi Ibanga; and the former Port Manager, LPC, Apapa, Mrs. Funmilayo Olotu.
