The Nigerian leather bag market is fast gaining popularity both locally and internationally as more women are taking advantage of opportunities in the leather and creative industry to contribute to economic growth.
Ruth Sobechukwu Abugu, the founder of Somacci Bags is a young Nigerian entrepreneur whose passion for creating proudly ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ luxury accessory brand, led her into the manufacturing of premium leather and textile accessories like handbags, briefcases, duffel bags, purses, backpacks, lunch bags, handbags, laptop bags, baby carriers, purses, flannel bags, souvenirs, and even face masks. She is currently making face masks as the need has arisen for it in the midst of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, for working men, women and school children.
The former Secondary School English teacher and graduate of Educational Management from the University of Lagos, Ruth saw the need to go into the production of affordable, original and durable bags after several complaints from parents about the constant need to purchase new school bags for their children every session at her school’s PTA meeting.
She started her business with savings from her salary which she used in purchasing her very first manual machine. She subsequently won the YEO Foundation Grant in 2018 which was instrumental to the significant growth of her business. In a few years, Ruth hopes to get Somacci bags into many homes in Lagos State, Nigeria and outside the shores of the country.