About Lizkon
From a home studio in Afikpo to an atelier in Abuja.
Lizkon began with a founder, a bundle of Ankara prints and a belief that Nigerian women deserve clothes made precisely for them. Today we draft every pattern from our clients' own measurements, and teach the same craft to the designers who come after us.
Our story
Drafted, cut and finished by hand since 2019.
From Makurdi to Afikpo
Lizkon started with Elizabeth Ori Ikwudiuto's own apprenticeship. While studying at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, she trained as a design intern and then as an assistant designer in local fashion houses. In 2018 she began selling Ankara prints as Lizkon Fabrics, sewing from home and sending orders to Abuja, Makurdi, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt.
A studio that was also a classroom
In mid-2019 the Lizkon Clothing studio opened at No. 31 Amachi Road, Afikpo. From the start the cutting table doubled as a classroom: by 2020, fee-paying students were learning on the studio's machines while working on real client orders.
Serving through the lockdown
During her national service year, Elizabeth trained about a dozen girls aged 13 to 18 in basic fashion design and distributed more than 700 free face masks in Ebonyi State. The work was commended by Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, its School of Science, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, St Patrick's Parish, Afikpo, and HRH Ezeogo Ewa Elechi of Ohaisu.
Growing in Abakaliki
Lizkon Clothing Venture was registered in January 2021 and moved to Abakaliki that year, launching a YouTube pattern-drafting channel and taking its first city intake. Elizabeth qualified as a certified bridal-wear designer, and bridal couture, corsetry and figure enhancement became the house's signature. In 2024 the academy moved into dedicated premises with a student hostel and welcomed its first international student.
Abuja, and the world
In January 2026 the studio moved to Apo Resettlement, Abuja. Lizkon now dresses brides, birthday queens and boardroom women at home and abroad: more than 4,750 unique outfits so far, exported to more than 20 countries, from a destination wedding in Santorini to clients in the USA, the UK, Canada and the Netherlands. Every piece is still drafted from the client's own measurements, often taken over a video call across time zones. In January 2027 the academy opens in Abuja too.
Milestones
The road so far.
2018
Lizkon Fabrics
The Lizkon Facebook page opens on 17 July. Elizabeth sells Ankara prints as Lizkon Fabrics and sews from home, delivering orders across Nigeria.
2019
The Afikpo studio
Lizkon Clothing opens at No. 31 Amachi Road, Afikpo, and the studio doubles as a training room.
2020
Training and service
Fee-paying students train in the Afikpo studio. During her NYSC year Elizabeth teaches basic fashion design to girls aged 13 to 18 and distributes more than 700 free face masks.
2021
Registered and certified
Lizkon Clothing Venture is registered with the CAC. The business moves to Abakaliki, launches its YouTube tutorials and takes its first city intake. Elizabeth is certified as a bridal-wear designer.
2022
The academy grows
A free pattern-drafting workshop, a new Advanced/Upgrade class and the academy's first male student.
2023
Business training
Elizabeth completes the FATE Foundation Business Resilience Programme for Women Entrepreneurs, supported by Google.org, and pitches at the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton.
2024
A home for students
The academy opens dedicated premises with a student hostel in Abakaliki, two Advanced/Bridal cohorts are certified and the first international student enrols. Elizabeth completes the Prudent Gabriel Masterclass in Luxury Dressmaking.
2025
Embellishment and export
Two more cohorts are certified, a free six-week fabric embellishment training is offered to the community, and bespoke commissions ship to the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.
2026
Abuja
The studio moves to Apo Resettlement, Abuja, and starts dyeing its own adire. Lizkon gowns travel to a destination wedding in Santorini, and our exports pass 20 countries.
2027
The academy opens in Abuja
Lizkon Fashion Academy takes its first Abuja intake in January.
The founder
Elizabeth Ori Ikwudiuto
Founder & Creative Director · Lead Tutor, Lizkon Fashion Academy
Elizabeth is a certified bridal-wear designer trained in the Natalie Bray method of pattern making, with more than ten years' experience in garment construction. She specialises in bridal couture, corsetry and figure enhancement, teaches the academy's Advanced/Bridal class and has mentored more than 200 young women towards self-reliance.
“Your big day is our big deal.”
Training & credentials
- B.Sc. Statistics/Computer Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (2018)
- Design Intern, Crystal Wardrobe, Benue State (2015–16)
- Assistant Designer, Gab-Chi Fashion House, Makurdi (2017–19)
- Certified Bridal Wear Designer, Airvy Training Centre, Lagos (2021)
- Production Manager, Airvy Atelier, Lagos (2021–22)
- Inclusive Governance and Leadership, Equal Access International (2021)
- FATE Foundation Business Resilience Programme for Women Entrepreneurs, supported by Google.org (2023)
- Masterclass in Luxury Dressmaking, Prudent Gabriel (2024)
- Entrepreneurship and Finance Residency (2025)
- Adire and batik textile design training (2026)
Vision
To become a leading luxury fashion brand and academy in Nigeria, producing world-class designers and premium African-inspired fashion for local and international markets.
Mission
To deliver industry-standard training in fashion design and luxury garment construction while creating exceptional fashion that celebrates African heritage and meets global quality standards.
Excellence in craftsmanship
Every garment drafted, cut and finished to a professional standard.
Creativity
Designs built around each client's own story.
Integrity
Doing what we say we will do.
Empowerment
Training women and young people to earn a living from their craft.
Cultural pride
Celebrating African fabrics and Nigerian craftsmanship.
By appointment · Abuja & by video call
Come and see us.
Visits to the studio are by appointment. We'll send the exact address and directions when we confirm your time. Or start on WhatsApp, wherever you are.