For two days, Africa fashion week Nigeria (AFWN) hosted audiences across the media, fashion world and creative industries to engage in a wide conversation revolving around fashion, most importantly African fashion. AFWNG is an annual multi-day fashion event which provides a platform to drive the Nigerian and African fashion industry by bringing together buyers, investors, and the media to view recent collections of designers across Nigeria.
With series of workshops which centered on fashion as an instrument of empowerment and job creation and also entertainment, this year’s AFWN offered plethora of events which would leave attendees with a long lasting experience.
Africa fashion week Nigeria attracted several dignitaries which included the Ooni Of Ife as the royal father of the day, HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; H.E Mrs. Olufolake Abudulrazaq (The First Lady Of Kwara State and Matron Of Africa Fashion Week), H.E Erelu Bisi Fayemi; First Lady Of Ekiti State And Global Ambassador of AFWN, H.E Bamidele Abiodun;First Lady of Ogun And Others.
The Keynote address was given by Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, Former Director Of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation; she focused on fashion as an instrument of empowerment. She shared her experiences regarding her sense of fashion and admiration towards her. She went further to express how delighted she was seeing youth showcasing their talent in creative arts despite unemployment.
The runway was graced by Ileye Moremi(House of Oduduwa),Fuche, Abigab Bridal Place, Brown Fashion, Remorial Golden, Treasure Stitches, Ire Clothing and many more. Designers from Ekiti, Kwara and Ogun State took turn to also showcase creative designs based on Ashoke and Adire materials, which are indigenous fabrics.
Leading her team, Her Excellency Mrs. Erelu Bisi Fayemi gave a short speech on violence against women and how she is working to create more awareness in her State. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State introduced the designers from her State, who then took over the runway. She mentioned that her attire was put together by four of the designers based in Kwara State.
In her introductory remark, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun highlighted the deliberate efforts being made to ensure Adire production in Ogun State is sustained and encouraged. She made a commitment to keep pushing for more job creation opportunities in the textile industry.
The Ooni Ife was called upon for presentation of awards and he also encouraged pioneers to create awareness and patronized made in Nigeria products to enable job creation and youth empowerment through the fashion industry.