Alarede Engagement Academy Graduates Six, Emphasises Family Building and Professional Excellence

LAGOS – The Chief Executive Officer of Alarede Engagement Academy, Mrs Foluso Ogunjimi, has emphasised that the role of an Alaga extends far beyond singing, dancing and speaking at traditional weddings, describing it as a calling centred on building homes and strengthening family bonds.

Mrs Ogunjimi made the remarks during the 2026 graduation ceremony of the Alarede Engagement Academy, where six students completed their training in traditional wedding anchoring and related vocational skills.

She reiterated the Academy’s commitment to transforming marriages and empowering women through specialised training in traditional wedding coordination, eru iyawo packaging, leadership development, make-up artistry, gele tying, and the management of Christian, Muslim and inter-tribal wedding ceremonies.

“The first thing we think about in Alarede Engagement Academy is to build a home,” she said.

According to her, the responsibilities of an Alaga go beyond entertaining guests during wedding ceremonies.

“It is beyond singing and dancing. It is about building homes and connecting families together,” she added.

Mrs Ogunjimi, popularly known as “Sokoyokoto” and widely recognised as an award-winning traditional wedding anchor, urged the graduating students to uphold professionalism and integrity as they begin their careers in the industry.

She cautioned them against prioritising financial gain over meaningful relationships and warned that unethical conduct could damage both their personal reputations and the image of the Academy.

The Academy’s founder also expressed appreciation to the teaching staff, particularly the Principal, Mrs Olabisi Igwe, for their dedication in equipping students with practical and theoretical knowledge through both physical and virtual learning sessions.

She noted that graduates must continually remember that their responsibilities as traditional wedding comperes extend beyond public speaking and ceremonial coordination.

Describing Alarede as a transformative international initiative, Mrs Ogunjimi said the Academy has fostered a strong sense of sisterhood, community and professional networking among its members.

“Alarede has become a transformative international initiative that brings joy to its members and creates lasting relationships. As graduates, you should continue to grow within the alumni network,” she said.

Mentorship Opportunities for Graduates

Mrs Ogunjimi disclosed that the Academy would continue supporting graduates through structured mentorship opportunities designed to ensure their long-term relevance and success in the industry.

As part of the initiative, each of the six graduates was attached to an established Alaga for post-classroom mentorship.

She charged the mentors to provide the necessary guidance and support to help the new professionals thrive in their careers.

The veteran broadcaster-turned-traditional wedding anchor further advised aspiring Alagas to remain prayerful, humble, patient and diligent.

According to her, sustained success in the industry requires a combination of faith, hard work and a willingness to adapt to changing trends.

“Prayer, patience and the ability to evolve with changing trends have been part of the secrets behind my success,” she said.

She encouraged the graduates to continually refine the skills acquired during their training in order to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive industry.

Over 200 Women Empowered

Alarede Engagement Academy is certified by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education as a vocational training centre.

Over the past 16 years, the Academy has empowered more than 200 women through training in traditional wedding anchoring, eru iyawo packaging, make-up artistry and gele tying.

Many of its graduates have gone on to establish successful careers within Nigeria and in countries including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.