A Stitch in Time: Young Crocheter Who Spent 168 Hours Weaving Sanwo-Olu’s Portrait Honoured by Governor

In a moment that artfully stitched creativity and recognition together, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday hosted a young Nigerian crocheter, Eunice Imisioluwa Irinsanmi, whose awe-inspiring handmade portrait sweater of the governor recently took social media by storm. The 23-year-old, widely hailed as a rising star in Nigeria’s art and fashion scene, dedicated a staggering 168 hours to crocheting a jacket that featured Sanwo-Olu’s likeness—crafted entirely by hand, one stitch at a time.

The meeting took place at the Lagos House in Marina and was nothing short of a heartwarming blend of admiration, inspiration, and celebration. Eunice was accompanied by members of her family, including her mother, siblings, and manager. In a video shared by Jubril A. Gawat, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, the governor was seen warmly receiving the young artist, her intricate creation in hand, visibly moved by the effort and craftsmanship behind the masterpiece.

The crocheted jacket, which boasts an estimated 20,000 stitches and six shades of yarn, features an uncanny representation of Governor Sanwo-Olu. Beyond its visual brilliance, the piece has sparked conversations across Nigeria on the power of dedication, innovation, and young talent in a country brimming with untapped creative energy.

“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 posted, sharing the stunning visuals of the jacket and the governor’s visibly impressed reaction.

Taking to his personal Instagram, Governor Sanwo-Olu shared the moment with his millions of followers, reflecting on Eunice’s story with admiration. “Today, I received a thoughtful, handmade, custom crocheted jacket from 23-year-old Irinsanmi Imisioluwa Eunice. It took her 168 hours, over 20,000 stitches, and six colours of yarn using just one crochet hook to bring it to life,” he wrote. “But it’s her story that truly stayed with me.”

And indeed, Eunice’s journey is as captivating as her craft. Having learned crocheting back in primary school, she once aspired to become a doctor. Life, however, charted a different path. After studying Home Economics and being creatively reawakened during the COVID-19 lockdown, she decided to fully embrace her passion for the fiber arts. What started as a childhood pastime blossomed into a career that’s now catching national attention.

Her intricate craftsmanship not only impressed the governor but has become symbolic of the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian youth. In an era where many young people are navigating limited resources and uncertain futures, Eunice’s work is a resounding reminder that talent, when nurtured, can shine through the noise and reach the highest offices.

Governor Sanwo-Olu used the opportunity to send a message of encouragement to the broader creative community in Lagos. “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,” he said, praising Eunice for both her dedication and her message of hope.

The portrait jacket itself, now a symbolic artifact, tells a larger story. It’s more than yarn and stitches. It represents vision, patience, discipline, and a daring belief in the power of originality. It’s a conversation-starter about how Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, can harness the gifts of its youth and provide platforms for them to shine—not just in entertainment or tech, but in every overlooked art form.

What made Eunice’s work stand out, beyond its technical complexity, was its heartfelt intention. Choosing to immortalize a sitting governor in crochet is not just an act of artistry but a bold cultural statement—one that bridges politics and pop culture, formality and freedom of expression.

In a society where artistic talent is often undervalued or ignored unless it's wrapped in mainstream music or Nollywood glamour, Eunice’s recognition by the state’s top office offers a breath of fresh air. It suggests a shift toward valuing all forms of expression and the unique voices behind them.

As photos and videos of the meeting continue to circulate online, young Nigerians are finding renewed pride in traditional crafts. Social media is abuzz not just with admiration for the portrait but with inspired creatives discussing their own projects and sharing what this recognition means for the future of handmade artistry in the country.

For Eunice, the moment was both surreal and validating. From humble beginnings in the classroom to standing before the governor with a handmade tribute that took over a week of tireless work, her story is a testament to perseverance. In just 168 hours, she wove together yarn and destiny, creating a piece that is as personal as it is political.

And for Governor Sanwo-Olu, the portrait wasn’t just a thoughtful gift—it was a message: that Lagos is bursting with talent waiting to be discovered, waiting to be given room to grow.

As Lagos continues its push to become a creative capital on the continent, stories like Eunice’s remind us what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. A crochet hook, six colours of yarn, and a dream have now turned into one of the year’s most inspiring moments—proving once again that sometimes, the most powerful portraits aren’t painted with brushes, but stitched by hand, with love.