First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, a symbol of national unity designed by 25-year-old Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele.
The fabric was selected from 111 entries in a competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative, according to TheNews.
The First Lady explained that the concept was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe, where she saw a similar initiative.
She commended the rigorous selection process and thanked the judges and members of the RHI Governing Board.
The #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric will be worn across the country to celebrate Independence Day on October 1, 2024, and will be mass-produced by local manufacturers to stimulate the textile industry, create jobs, and boost the economy.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, fostering creativity, supporting local enterprises, and celebrating national identity and unity.
Hajia Nana Shettima, National Vice Chairman of RHI, said the fabric initiative promotes unity and creativity, encouraging Nigerians to think nationally before considering tribal or ethnic loyalties.
“Today, my heart is filled with joy as we have just witnessed the unveiling of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric, the announcement of the winner of the competition and the presentation of prize ceremony. I say big congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mufiyinfoluwa, she did quite a fantastic job.
“I would like to briefly share the background to what led us to this moment. In December 2023, I visited Zimbabwe for the launch of #WeAreEqual Unifying Campaign of the Organization of the African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and on this visit, I came across the concept of a national fabric, which they have, and this fascinated me”.
“I believe this concept is a unifying one, where we can infuse our cultural diversity and break down tribal barriers to identify as a people of one nation. So I decided that it would be a good idea to have a similar experience”.
“Upon my arrival, at one of the meetings of the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), I mooted the idea and to my surprise, everyone seemed excited about it. Thereafter, the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric Competition was announced through various media platforms in February 2024, calling on all our youth between the ages of 15 to 25 to create a design for a fabric that will be launched as the national unity fabric.
“Entries for this competition closed on the 30th of June, 2024. On 2nd of July, 2024, we invited two panelists; a renowned fashion icon, Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, who has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for 60 years, and Miss Banke Kuku, an international textile fashion designer. She’s the one who actually designed the gift scarves I give out because she’s a textile designer.
“Both of them, with members of the Governing Board, and some friends of RHI, had the task of selecting the best design from 111 entries. This selection process was rigorous, but today, we are happy to present the best design selected by our expert judges. Well done, and thank you”, Mrs. Tinubu said.
