The Lumiscape Charity Foundation (LCF), in partnership with the Zephyr Interior Design Academy (ZIDA), has concluded its inaugural empowerment initiative, equipping 84 single mothers with foundational skills in interior design.
The month-long programme, tagged the LCF x ZIDA Empowerment Initiative, combined three weeks of virtual training with a physical workshop and scholarship presentation ceremony held at Haraya in Abuja on August 15, 2026.
Supported by Haraya as venue partner and Popit, the initiative admitted 84 women into its virtual learning cohort following an open application and selection process.
Facilitated by ZIDA, the virtual classes exposed participants to design thinking, space planning, mood-board creation, colour theory, entrepreneurship and career pathways in the interior design industry.
At the end of the training, participants undertook an examination to assess their understanding and practical application of the modules. Based on performance and overall participation, the top 40 women were selected for the in-person workshop in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Founder of Lumiscape Charity Foundation, Ifeoma Oluwapelumi Okoro, said the initiative was designed to expand economic opportunities for single mothers.
“Single mothers are not a homogeneous group. They have different interests, abilities, educational backgrounds and aspirations. While some may be drawn to traditional trades, others want to explore creative and professional industries and build careers that reflect their individual talents and ambitions. Through this initiative, we are expanding the range of opportunities available to them and supporting each woman’s potential to thrive,” she said.
Okoro noted that the programme aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to helping underserved single mothers attain financial independence through education, skills development, mentorship and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Zephyr Interior Design Academy, Precious Moses, described the initiative as personally significant.
“This initiative is deeply personal to me. Design changed my life and I have seen firsthand what it can do for a woman who is given the right tools, the right guidance, and the right community. These 40 women did not just qualify for a programme, they chose themselves, and ZIDA will honour that choice by giving them everything we have,” she said.
During the Abuja workshop, participants engaged in practical design sessions, mentorship conversations and collaborative activities led by industry professionals, focusing on the practical and commercial aspects of interior design.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of two scholarships valued at N2.105 million to outstanding participants.
The Lumiscape Charity Foundation Scholarship, valued at N1.705 million, was awarded to Victory Ufedo-Ojo for full sponsorship of ZIDA’s 15-month Full-Time Interior Design Programme, covering interior design fundamentals, technical drawing, computer-aided design software, 3D visualisation, lighting design, project management, sustainable design principles and business development.
Ufedo-Ojo expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the opportunity had renewed her confidence in her future.
“I am deeply thankful to the LCF and ZIDA teams for this incredible scholarship and for believing in us. This opportunity means so much to me and I am excited about everything that lies ahead,” she said.
The second award, the Zephyr Interior Design Academy Scholarship valued at N400,000, was presented to Miracle Ojogwu for admission into ZIDA’s eight-week Interior Design Fundamentals Programme, in recognition of her exceptional commitment, creativity and performance.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity and deeply appreciate the organisations that made it possible. I will not disappoint them. I am committed to working hard and using everything I learn to build a better future,” Ojogwu said.
The organisers said the initiative underscores their shared vision of breaking cycles of poverty, expanding access to opportunity, and building resilient futures for women and families through creative education.
