Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday celebrated Eunice Imisioluwa Irinsanmi, a 23-year-old creative whose extraordinary crocheting talent recently captured public attention.
Eunice went viral after crafting a special crocheted jacket with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s official portrait stitched into the design.
Her detailed craftsmanship and inspiring dedication have sparked online praise and highlighted the importance of promoting hand skills in Nigeria.
The reception was held at the Lagos House in Marina, where Eunice was warmly welcomed alongside her mother, siblings, and manager.
According to Jubril A. Gawat, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, the handcrafted jacket was made using 20,000 stitches and took Eunice 168 hours to complete.
“Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu this evening received the highly talented young lady Ms. Irinsanmi Imisioluwa Eunice @_inspirationcro who spent 168 hours, using 20,000 stitches to make a specialized crocheted jacket with Mr Governor’s official portrait,” Gawat wrote in a post shared on X.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep appreciation for Eunice’s work on Instagram, describing it as a symbol of creativity and perseverance.
“It took her 168 hours, over 20,000 stitches, and six colours of yarn using just one crochet hook to bring it to life. But it’s her story that truly stayed with me,” he wrote.
He continued, “Eunice learned to crochet back in primary school.
At one point, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but life took her in another direction. She studied Home Economics, and during COVID lockdown, she leaned deeply into her love for crafting.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of supporting youth creativity in Lagos, using Eunice as a motivational example for others.
“I want every young creative in Lagos to know that your work matters. Your hands, your skills, your ideas, and your dreams are all part of what makes this state thrive,” the governor added.
This inspiring recognition of a young talent highlights the government’s ongoing support for hand skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
Eunice’s work goes beyond a jacket it tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the power of practical skills.
Moreover, it proves that handcrafting can gain recognition and open doors in society when properly encouraged.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s gesture is a positive example of how public leaders can support and uplift young creatives.
