First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled the OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which she described as a symbol of national unity.
The fabric was designed by 25-year-old Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele a graduate of the University of Ibadan.
Bamidele, went home with a prize of ₦25m, emerged the winner of a fabric designs competition, organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by First Lady.
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and announcement of the winner of the competition held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu explained that the concept of a national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she saw a similar initiative.
She said the OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition was launched in February 2024, calling on youths aged 15-25 to create a design that would represent Nigeria’s unity.
A panel of judges, including renowned fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile fashion designer Miss Banke Kuku and other friends of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), selected the best design from 111 entries.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the rigorous selection process and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for their efforts.
“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 Bamidele Mufiyinfoluwa, she did quite a fantastic job.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also disclosed that the new national fabric would be worn across the country to celebrate the Independence Day Anniversary on October 1, 2024.
She disclosed that the fabric will be mass-produced by local manufacturers to stimulate local textile industries, create jobs, and boost the economy.
The First Lady said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fostering creativity, supporting local enterprises, and celebrating national identity and unity of the nation as it moves forward.
Also speaking at the event, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the fabric initiative is aimed at promoting unity and creativity in Nigeria.
She expressed pride in the realization of the vision of the competition, which encourages Nigerians to think nationally before considering tribal or ethnic loyalties.
She said the initiative includes the production and distribution of 200,000 pieces of a national unity fabric, with significant allocations to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, and additional pieces to other stakeholders.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries from across the country, including wives of governors, wives of the leaders of the National Assembly and wives of security chiefs.
Others who were at the event were former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; former First Ladies, including Ajoke Muritala Muhammad; Justice Fati Lami Abubakar; and Dame Patience Jonathan.
