At a time when teeming Nigerian youths are roaming the streets in search of white-collar jobs, Dominic Anyanebechi has carved a niche for himself in the country’s footwear industry.

Not only that, his brand, Dominique Footwears, is gaining recognition for its contribution to craftsmanship, youth empowerment and community development within the country’s creative industry.

Speaking on the journey of the brand, Anyanebechi, who graduated from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Computer Engineering) in 2021, found himself in the profession out of curiosity.

He narrated, “My journey into shoe design started from a simple curiosity about how things are made. I was always interested in fashion, but footwear caught my attention because it combines creativity, engineering and craftsmanship in a unique way.

“I began learning the process step by step — understanding materials, construction and the art behind making durable and stylish footwear.

“What started as an interest soon became a serious pursuit. I realised that shoes are more than just accessories; they are an essential part of everyday life and a powerful form of personal expression. That realisation pushed me to develop my skills and build a brand focused on quality and design,” he said.

Anyanebechi said over time, shoe design also became a platform for impact because footwear should not just be about style, but also about dignity and opportunity.

“It requires standardising processes, training a skilled team and maintaining oversight at critical stages such as cutting, stitching and finishing.”

He explained that the work goes beyond commercial production. “Footwear is not just about fashion; it is also about skill, discipline and creating opportunities for others,” he said.

According to him, Dominique Footwears aims to set a standard for what Nigerian-made products can achieve, combining quality, style and purpose. Beyond creating footwear, the brand is demonstrating that local craftsmanship can be world-class, sustainable and socially impactful.

For 15 years now, Dominique Footwears has built a growing reputation in Nigeria’s fashion and footwear sector through a blend of traditional shoemaking techniques and contemporary design.

Worthy mentions include the Accesspreneur Initiative by Access Bank Nigeria and the Corpreneurship Challenge by Unity Bank Nigeria, a business competition organised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nigeria. Dominique Footwears emerged as the grand-prize winner in both competitions, receiving up to $1,500 in cash awards, among other incentives.

A major part of Anyanebechi’s impact lies in training and mentorship.

Over the years, he has trained more than 4,000 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in shoemaking and creative entrepreneurship, equipping them with practical skills that foster self-reliance and employment.

By training young creatives, supporting entrepreneurship and proving that “Made in Nigeria” can compete globally, the brand is helping to shape a future where locally made products are trusted, valued and celebrated.

In addition to training, Dominique Footwears has carried out community outreach initiatives, providing free school shoes to underprivileged students as part of efforts to support education and social inclusion.

He has also been involved in initiatives that provide shoes to underprivileged children, because to him, footwear should not just be about style but also about dignity and opportunity.

The brand has also gained recognition from creatives and public figures who wear and support its designs, further positioning Dominique Footwears as an emerging name in Nigeria’s fashion and footwear space.

With a continued focus on craftsmanship, skills development, and community impact, Dominique Footwears represents a new generation of Nigerian creative enterprises that are contributing meaningfully to the country’s cultural and economic landscape.

On what would strengthen Nigeria’s footwear and leather industry long-term, Dominic said that growth depends on a combination of infrastructure, investment and skills development.

According to him, reliable access to quality raw materials, better manufacturing facilities, and supportive policies would go a long way.

Reminiscing on how far he has come, 15 years down the road, “When I first started, success was simply making a shoe that fit well and lasted. Today, it’s much broader. It’s about impact as much as craft.

“Success now means creating quality products, empowering young people with skills, building a sustainable business, and contributing to the reputation of Nigerian-made goods globally.

“Today, shoe design is not just my profession, it is a craft, a business, and a way to create meaningful change in people’s lives,” Anyanebechi enthused.