Wow, it’s the second edition of the “Alumni of the week” series.

Did you miss the previous edition? Not to worry! We always have your back.

Just click on the link https://www.thefootwearacademy.com/alumni-of-the-week-precious-oriji , sit back and enjoy.

Meanwhile, we have here with us, Mr Wakil Ismail Kareem, one of our students from the Batch A session of the Aba mastering footwear program.

Wakil was just finishing up his NYSC program in Aba, Abia State,  when he heard about the Aba Mastering Footwear Program. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity and learn a new skill.

It’s good to have you here Mr Wakil, please introduce yourself.

The pleasure is mine, my name is Wakil Ismail Kareem.

So Mr Wakil, how did you hear about the Aba mastering footwear program?

I heard about the program from a very good friend of mine whom i once told about my dream of becoming a footwear engineer.

Interesting, tell us what motivated you to sign up for the Aba mastering footwear program?

It’s actually my curiosity to know more about the process of making shoes and to change the mindset of people towards shoemakers.

And how was your experience during the training?

I enjoyed every minute I spent in the academy, the lectures I received from the training coordinator, Mrs Chidinma (co-founder of TFA) are priceless and inspiring. The motivation from Mr Bentley (founder of TFA) really transformed my life and pushed me to do more till i get it right, the gentle nature and listening ears of Endless Ben isn’t left out. I’ll never forget the wonderful fellow students, the experience is so wonderful and the time spent in the academy was one of the best moment i spent in Abia State (Aba).

I was able to achieve some of these designs in my little stay at the academy.

So touching and those are really good works you have there, so what’s next for you?

Well I am working towards opening my own footwear brand. I call it “The footwear Paradise”.

That’s wonderful, drop your contact information so prospective client can easily reach you.

Ok. I base in Abuja and my phone number is 07036709043.

What is your advice to young people?

I’m encouraging them to pursue any productive skill they have passion for, the things they enjoy doing most. I’ll always advice them to learn from the best.

We’ve heard it all. Such passion for shoemaking, we are proud of you Wakil. We hope you achieve your dreams and inspire the next generation.