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News Desk

Authorities raid ‘quack’ veterinary in Ibeju-Lekki

  In a decisive move against veterinary quackery, authorities have raided the...

Electrician released by police after media pressure

  An electrician, Ayomide Obamuyiwa, detained by the police in Iba, since...

Maritime unions warn of unrest at ports

  The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA)...

Why Fourth Mainland Bridge has been delayed – Hamzat

  The deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat has cited soaring inflation and the...

Sanwo-Olu presents N3.005 trillion 2025 budget

  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday presented a N3.005 trillion budget proposal...

Annals Of Legislation

Legislative profile: Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo

Before becoming a legislator, Mr. Ogunleye was a council mayor for 13 months in Ikorodu local government.

Legislative profile: Emmanuel Olotu Ojo

Before becoming a legislator, Mr. Olotu served as a councilor in Ojokoro local council development area.

Legislative profile: Gbolahan Yishau

He was first elected in 2011 and is presently the chairman of the House committee on economic planning and budget.

Legislative profile: Ajayi Oluwadamilare

Before he was elected as a lawmaker in 2023, Mr. Oluwadamilare served as the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Legislative profile: Oladipo Ajomale

Mr. Ajomale has a degree in law.

Navigating Lagos

Essential guide to the Lagos Red Line Rail: Fares, Schedules, and Tips

To access the Red Line, passengers need a Cowry Card, which is used across Lagos for bus, ferry, and now rail services.

J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History: Past, Present, and Future of Lagos

The museum boasts a one-of-a-kind exhibition designed to celebrate Yoruba culture and significant events in Lagos history. Visitors will find an impressive array of artistic works, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and vintage Yoruba fashion.

Ten museums you should visit in Lagos

Lagos is the pulsating heart of Nigeria. It is...

What to expect at Saint’s Bites Shawarma in Omole phase one

  At virtually every corner in Lagos, there is a...

Eight Lagos beach resorts you should visit

While Landmark Beach Resort was once a top choice before its recent demolition by the Lagos State Government, many other notable beach resorts continue to thrive, offering unique experiences.

Eko Lifestyle

Sanwo-Olu spotted wearing luxury watch at Davido’s wedding

In 2023, the Governor was also seen wearing another Patek Philippe watch.

Ten recreational centres to visit at least once in Lagos

At Ikeja Record, we've compiled some of the must-visit recreational centres you should consider when planning your next fun activity.

Top five cinemas in Lagos to watch“Bad Boys: Ride or Die”

The latest chapter in the action-comedy saga, "Bad Boys:...

Discover seven alternative Lagos beaches to Landmark, Oniru, others

Despite these alterations to the landscape of Lagos' coastal attractions, the state still boasts a plethora of breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored. At Ikeja Record, we have compiled a list of viable alternatives for you.

From ruins to restoration: Discovering the treasures in Freedom Park Lagos

I discovered that the park, located on a prime location in Lagos Island, had a historical past—it used to be a prison during Nigeria's colonial era.

The Political Scene

One year after: Key decisions taken by 10th Lagos State House of Assembly

The 10th Lagos House of Assembly was inaugurated on...

Is the storm over between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa? 

Is this renewed joviality in the best interest of Lagosians?

Lagos is spending big on infrastructure. But choking on debt.

As of December 2022, Lagos was the state with the highest debt stock across the Nigerian federation.

Three reasons why Lagos House of Assembly rejected Sanwo-Olu’s 17 commissioner-nominees

Beyond geographical and religious factors, the possibility of pending disagreements can not be ruled out.

What Ojodu residents want from LCDA Chairman Segun Odunmbaku

The residents made the requests following celebrations marking Segun Odunmbaku’s two years in office as Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA.

Persons Of Interest

Dencity: The challenges of building a female skateboarding community in Lagos

In an interview with The Record’s Omon Okhuevbie, the 24-year-old skateboarder and streetwear fashion entrepreneur shared the challenges of building a skateboarding community for young girls and women in Lagos and other states in Nigeria.

Oluwatoyosi Jide-Jimoh: How I graduated top of my class at LASU

She graduated from the Lagos State University with first class honours in communication and media studies.

Living with Lupus in Lagos: Misturah Owolabi shares her inspiring journey

“ Lupus is not a death sentence, it is a very manageable condition. Do not believe that Lupus is going to hinder you from achieving your goals.”

Lagos-based startup, Midddleman, is bridging trust and logistics gaps in the e-commerce world

Additionally, the co-founder shared that e-commerce companies can now send Yuan/CNY/RMB to their Chinese suppliers through Middleman.

News Desk

Authorities raid ‘quack’ veterinary in Ibeju-Lekki

  In a decisive move against veterinary quackery, authorities have raided the...

Electrician released by police after media pressure

  An electrician, Ayomide Obamuyiwa, detained by the police in Iba, since...

Maritime unions warn of unrest at ports

  The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA)...

Why Fourth Mainland Bridge has been delayed – Hamzat

  The deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat has cited soaring inflation and the...

Sanwo-Olu presents N3.005 trillion 2025 budget

  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday presented a N3.005 trillion budget proposal...

Annals Of Legislation

Legislative profile: Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo

Before becoming a legislator, Mr. Ogunleye was a council mayor for 13 months in Ikorodu local government.

Legislative profile: Emmanuel Olotu Ojo

Before becoming a legislator, Mr. Olotu served as a councilor in Ojokoro local council development area.

Legislative profile: Gbolahan Yishau

He was first elected in 2011 and is presently the chairman of the House committee on economic planning and budget.

Legislative profile: Ajayi Oluwadamilare

Before he was elected as a lawmaker in 2023, Mr. Oluwadamilare served as the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Legislative profile: Oladipo Ajomale

Mr. Ajomale has a degree in law.

Navigating Lagos

Essential guide to the Lagos Red Line Rail: Fares, Schedules, and Tips

To access the Red Line, passengers need a Cowry Card, which is used across Lagos for bus, ferry, and now rail services.

J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History: Past, Present, and Future of Lagos

The museum boasts a one-of-a-kind exhibition designed to celebrate Yoruba culture and significant events in Lagos history. Visitors will find an impressive array of artistic works, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and vintage Yoruba fashion.

Ten museums you should visit in Lagos

Lagos is the pulsating heart of Nigeria. It is...

What to expect at Saint’s Bites Shawarma in Omole phase one

  At virtually every corner in Lagos, there is a...

Eight Lagos beach resorts you should visit

While Landmark Beach Resort was once a top choice before its recent demolition by the Lagos State Government, many other notable beach resorts continue to thrive, offering unique experiences.

Eko Lifestyle

Sanwo-Olu spotted wearing luxury watch at Davido’s wedding

In 2023, the Governor was also seen wearing another Patek Philippe watch.

Ten recreational centres to visit at least once in Lagos

At Ikeja Record, we've compiled some of the must-visit recreational centres you should consider when planning your next fun activity.

Top five cinemas in Lagos to watch“Bad Boys: Ride or Die”

The latest chapter in the action-comedy saga, "Bad Boys:...

Discover seven alternative Lagos beaches to Landmark, Oniru, others

Despite these alterations to the landscape of Lagos' coastal attractions, the state still boasts a plethora of breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored. At Ikeja Record, we have compiled a list of viable alternatives for you.

From ruins to restoration: Discovering the treasures in Freedom Park Lagos

I discovered that the park, located on a prime location in Lagos Island, had a historical past—it used to be a prison during Nigeria's colonial era.

The Political Scene

One year after: Key decisions taken by 10th Lagos State House of Assembly

The 10th Lagos House of Assembly was inaugurated on...

Is the storm over between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa? 

Is this renewed joviality in the best interest of Lagosians?

Lagos is spending big on infrastructure. But choking on debt.

As of December 2022, Lagos was the state with the highest debt stock across the Nigerian federation.

Three reasons why Lagos House of Assembly rejected Sanwo-Olu’s 17 commissioner-nominees

Beyond geographical and religious factors, the possibility of pending disagreements can not be ruled out.

What Ojodu residents want from LCDA Chairman Segun Odunmbaku

The residents made the requests following celebrations marking Segun Odunmbaku’s two years in office as Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA.

Persons Of Interest

Dencity: The challenges of building a female skateboarding community in Lagos

In an interview with The Record’s Omon Okhuevbie, the 24-year-old skateboarder and streetwear fashion entrepreneur shared the challenges of building a skateboarding community for young girls and women in Lagos and other states in Nigeria.

Oluwatoyosi Jide-Jimoh: How I graduated top of my class at LASU

She graduated from the Lagos State University with first class honours in communication and media studies.

Living with Lupus in Lagos: Misturah Owolabi shares her inspiring journey

“ Lupus is not a death sentence, it is a very manageable condition. Do not believe that Lupus is going to hinder you from achieving your goals.”

Lagos-based startup, Midddleman, is bridging trust and logistics gaps in the e-commerce world

Additionally, the co-founder shared that e-commerce companies can now send Yuan/CNY/RMB to their Chinese suppliers through Middleman.

I bought some machines I use with my NYSC allowee – Lagos Bag Maker

When Vera Sojobi-Sloan was serving as a Youth Corps Member in 2012, she fell in love with bag making which was done at the bus-stop she passed every day to her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). Vera who had been thinking of what she could do after NYSC decided to pick up the skills in the bag making craft. She enrolled with the bag maker at the bus top as an apprentice and the rest they say is history. In this interview with Ikeja Record’s Abel Adekunle, Vera speaks on what it is like to thrive in a male dominated sector.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

ABEL ADEKUNLE: CAN I MEET YOU?

VERA SOJOBI-SLOAN:  My name is Vera Sojobi-Sloan, CEO Verality Bags Limited.

AA: YOU ARE INTO BAG MAKING, WHEN DID THE JOURNEY BEGIN?

VS: It goes way back to when I was serving, at the place of my PPA (Rita college) at Ojodu Berger, where I saw a place where they make bags. I’ve been very passionate about bag making, although I felt strange when I saw the place the bags were made but with the help of some of my fathers in the Lord, they assisted and encouraged me to go into it and backed me up.  I learnt bag making throughout the year of my service (2012) after that I went back there for 2 months to perfect it before my freedom ceremony. My boss was always so particular about me because I was a copper and he was passionate about teaching me.

At the school I did my youth service, there were some co teachers that wanted to get wedded so when they placed their orders for souvenir bags, I usually gave it to my boss, and he handled it from there as I was still learning at the time. I bought some of the machines I use now with my allowance as a Corps member and with the monetary gifts I got from my Wedding in August 2013.

AA: HOW HAS IT BEEN FOR YOU AS A FEMALE NAVIGATING IN A MALE DOMINANT CRAFT?

VS: I find it easy; I feel anything you have passion for, you’ll do it with enthusiasm and be happy.

AA: HAS ANYBODY LOOKED DOWN ON YOU BECAUSE OF THE CRAFT YOU’VE CHOSEN?

VS: Yes, a lot of people have, but the joy in it for me is that I’m a graduate and there is always that unique difference in my work.

AA: DID YOU STUDY ANYTHING RELATED TO BAG MAKING?

VS: No, I studied Electrical power options at the Polytechnic of Bida, Niger State.

AA: Did you look for a white-collar job?

VS: Of course, I tried white collar jobs but that period was plagued with nepotism, I did my SIWES with NEPA (National Electric Power Authority) at Kainji Dam and I also did my one year in industrial training at globacom where I worked with jolly A investment. I was working with a contractor for globacom but I was fortunate to meet some engineers that worked for globacom and they all said I should go back for my degree.  I applied for FUTA and some other higher institutions but the funds were not forthcoming so I went back to do my HND. By the time I was done with the HND program, the contractor was no longer at globacom so I had nothing to do and then I decided to commit fully into bag making and I’m happy doing it.

AA: WOULD YOU SAY BAG MAKING IS SOMETHING WORTH DOING THAT ONE CAN BUILD A CAREER ON?

VS:  I would say it’s a lifetime career, this is my 11th year in bag making and I’ve never regretted it.

AA: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN BAG MAKING?

VS: I would say a year should be enough, and at least 6 months for people who already know how to pedal a sewing machine as it would be easier for them to catch on.

AA: HOW MUCH DOES SOMEONE NEED TO START A BAG MAKING BUSINESS?

VS: Anyone aspiring to start a bag making business in 2023 should have a budget between ₦300,000 and ₦500,000.

AA: WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF YOUR BUSINESS?

VS: I make different varieties of bags, although I’m mainly into souvenir bags as it is the most profitable for me right now, I also make school bags, hand bags, lunch bags, travelling bags and Ankara bags.

AA: WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR NIGERIAN GRADUATES STILL LOOKING FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES OUT THERE?

VS: To start a craft or handwork little by little even though getting capital isn’t easy, just remember Rome wasn’t built in day.

AA: HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN ANY GRANT?

VS: I applied for a grant some years ago but it had a stressful process and some other reasons that made me stop applying for it.

AA: IF YOU GOT A GRANT,  HOW WELL WOULD IT HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

VS:  I would be glad to receive a grant because it would enable me to get more of the necessary equipment and machines, I need to aid my business as it is a very broad business and better machines would make it easier, faster and better presentable. Then I would like to create a show room and brand my business better.

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