Jenellas Signature Decorations and Events, a Calabar-based event management company owned by Mrs. Esther Akiba, has partnered with the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Itam Bassey Otu, to empower over 150 aspiring event decorators through a free two-month skills acquisition program.
The training, which began today, July 6, 2026, at the Women’s Development Centre in Calabar, is designed to equip participants with practical and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in the event decoration industry, according to the organizer.
Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Esther Akiba said the program aims to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic empowerment by providing participants with access to quality vocational training at no cost.
Mrs. Akiba noted that participants will receive hands-on training in floral artistry, fabric draping and backdrops, table setting and centerpieces, theme concept development, and event business management, giving them the knowledge needed to start and grow successful businesses.
She also mentioned that the collaboration aligns with the First Lady’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and sustainable livelihood initiatives through strategic partnerships that open opportunities for Cross River residents.
One of the participants, Mrs. Patience Agonu from Obanliku Local Government, expressed her gratitude to Jenellas Signature and Her Excellency for their support for women. “Nma, I want to tell you that I love what you are doing in Cross River State, particularly for women,” she said.
Other notable government officials included D.G. Women’s Development Center Princess Ako Nsa representing Her Excellency, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Apostle Queen Eton S. A., program coordinator for Her Excellency, and Princess Janice Cobham, among others.
