‘I intend to transform 10,000 young teenagers to entrepreneurs in Oyo State’

Animashaun Aminat Aderayo is a textile designer who specialises in innovative shoes, bags and accessories inspired by African culture, arts and traditions. She speaks to ROTIMI IGE about her passion for entrepreneurship, among others.

How did you develop a passion for entrepreneurship?

I established my first company at the age of 18 which led me to study Entrepreneurial and Business Administration at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) where I obtained my first degree.  My passion for excellence and willingness to learn more availed me the opportunity to win a World Bank Scholarship  (Women X) from Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Lagos Business School, where I obtained an Entrepreneurial Management Certificate. My passion and love for Ibadan prompted me to launch De’rayo Vocational Limited, a centre that trains youths to be self-reliant by acquiring fashion skills. I launched the project in 2018 to reduce the rate of unemployment in Ibadan, Oyo State.  My legacy is built on a passion for doing things properly. My driving force is the a passion to pursue excellence on a global scale.

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 What do you hope to achieve with your passion?

To be a change-maker and see a better Nigeria through quality products and vocational skills.

 What industry are you particular about?

Fashion industry (manufacturing/education).

 What other projects are you involved in?

I’m involved in the project ‘Transforming 10,000 teenagers to young bosses’ in Ibadan, Oyo State.

You recently plan to empower 10,000  teenagers in Oyo State. Tell us the rationale behind that idea and how you intend to achieve it?

At De’rayo Vocational Limited, we understand that we can’t leave it all for the government to do, as there are many sectors e.g. power, security, transportation and infrastructure, which need to be improved upon for entrepreneurs to thrive and for Nigeria to move forward. The future of work won’t be about college degrees; it will be about job skills. This is why De’rayo Vocational Limited is dedicated to ensure a solution using entrepreneurship as a tool for fostering growth amongst teenagers and youths in the face of rising unemployment.

Through our state-of-the-art learning facilities, world class, diligent, competent and friendly teaching instructors, and up to date curriculum, there’s no doubt that De’rayo Vocational Limited is capable of delivering such a deliberate mission.

I have decided to partner with Darolls Support Initiative (DSIGATE) to transform 10,000 teenagers into young bosses with the mindset to become employers of labour, starting from Oyo State. We intend to build blocks of greatness by grooming craftsmen and fashion entrepreneurs and to develop their interests in arts and crafts businesses. So, we are visiting 100 public secondary schools in Oyo State.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?

Shortage of skilled labour (manpower) and epileptic power supply.

What do you hope to achieve in your craft?

For the brand De’rayo to be a household name and empower millions of Nigerians through vocational skills.