LAGOS – The Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FPDA), a body of learned serious, business-minded laundry and dry-cleaning service providers in Nigeria has purposefully decided to change the Nigerian business landscape by positively forcing the attention of the government to the fact that the hitherto obscure vocational venture can be, and is indeed a lucrative, value-adding economic endeavour.
A loud testimony to this is drawn from the just concluded two-day (Tuesday and Wednesday 28th and 29th May 2024) conference and product exhibition staged by the association and its partners at the high-brow Land Mark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event which was graced by dignitaries in the nation’s academic, business and governmental realms featured presentations of papers by scholars and experts in their relevant fields.
Prominent among the speakers was Prof Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, the Secretary General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (NUC) who delivered a paper on From Classroom To Career: Advocating The Inclusion Of Dry-cleaning And Laundry Skills In Nigeria’s Educational Framework.
In the scholarly discharge, the Professor of Economic History and Development Studies at the Benue State University, Makurdi stated took a look at how the cleaning industry could be integrated into, and aligned with the higher education disposition and delivery in the Nigerian context.
Backing up his advocacy for the inclusion of the cleaning skills in the Nigerian academic institutions, Ochefu dished out and marshalled his well-researched, data-proven points, quoted a writer that “the Nigerian laundry care service industry valued at $8.4 million in 2019, is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 percent in the next 10 years – to hit $8.94m in 2033.
“The data on the Nigerian laundry care service, is “grossly understated because data is fragmented” but that “The global dry cleaning and laundry services market size is expected to hit $79.91 billion by 2027, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4 percent in the next 10 years,”.
Though Ochefu took cognisance of the existence of a School of Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Technology at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano but complained that Entrepreneur Education programmes in all Universities where Laundry and Dry-Cleaning are absent on the educational menu.
The academic guru also noted that there is “No baseline study on opportunities for Cleaning Technologies Education in Nigerian academic Institutions.
This was even as he added that there was no career guidance programmes for students on the potential of the cleaning industry as viable, lucrative career.
Chief among the FDPA partners on the occasion was the Life’s Good (LG)company, a globally reputed multinational which exhibited is tantalising, cutting edge electronic, electrical gadgets such as industrial laundry/ dry cleaning machines of various sizes and functions, pressing irons and many others.
Presenting his lecture at the event, Mr Eniibukun Adebayo, the Chairman of FPDA and Convener of the exhibition declared:
” It’s a new dawn for the fabric care and Dry Cleaning industry in Africa. As we gather here at the inaugural CleanShow Africa Conference and Exhibition, we stand at the threshold of a transformative era.
“Today, we celebrate not only the first anniversary of the Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association but also the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that promise to redefine our industry. “These advancements are not just milestones; they are stepping stones towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for our industry.
“We celebrate not only the growth and achievements of the FPDA Association over the past year but also the unity and collaboration of industry professionals who share the common goal of elevating the standards and practices within the fabric care and Dry Cleaning industry across Nigeria.
“The CleanShow Africa Conference and Exhibition is a testament to our collective commitment to progress and excellence.
“This event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe to showcase the latest advancements in fabric care technology, sustainable practices, and business strategies. It provides a unique opportunity for us to learn, collaborate, and inspire each other to achieve greater heights.
“FPDA is dedicated to advocating for policies that support the growth and development of our industry. We are working closely with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that our industry is recognized for its contributions to the economy and is supported in its efforts to innovate and thrive”.
“The affable, sociable, yet Spirit-filled Christian, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Board Members, Executive Officers, all FPDA members across the country.
Adebayo was particularly grateful to the partners and sponsors.
“We thank you, especially LG Electronics for your unwavering support to the Fabricare industry in Nigeria. “Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in the success of our Association. A big kudos to the organizing committee for their hard work and commitment in making this event possible.
“As we flag this event open, I encourage All to take the opportunity to learn from each other, to build lasting connections, and to embrace the future with optimism and determination. Together, we can transform the fabric care and drycleaning industry in Africa as we set new standards of excellence and sustainability”; Adebayo enthused.
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