*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, unveils the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric as a symbol of national unity, in which 25-year-old Bamidele Mofiyinfoluwa Peace has emerged winner in a competition

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which she described as a symbol of national unity.

绿帽献妻 reports 25-year-old Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele Peace, who designed the fabric, is a graduate from the University of Ibadan (UI).

Bamidele, who carted home a N25 million prize, had emerged the winner of a fabric designs competition, organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), and chaired by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and announcement of the winner of the competition, held Monday in the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, explained that the concept of a national fabric was inspired by her visit December to Zimbabwe, where she saw a similar initiative.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu also said the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric Competition was launched 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.

The First, therefore, commended the rigorous selection process and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for their efforts.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Monday stated Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: 鈥淭oday, 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 Mofiyinfoluwa, she did quite a fantastic job.”

She noted: “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 Organisation 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.”

The First Lady also stated: 鈥淚 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.”

She further explained: 鈥淯pon 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.”

Senator Tinubu stated: 鈥淓ntries 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.”

The Nigerian First Lady said: 鈥淏oth 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.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu as well disclosed that the new national fabric would be worn across the country to celebrate the Independence Day Anniversary October 1, 2024.

According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the fabric will be mass-produced by local manufacturers with a view to stimulating local textile industries, creating jobs, and boosting the Nigerian economy.

She further affirmed that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fostering creativity, supporting local enterprises, and celebrating national identity and unity to the country as it moves forward.

鈥淚 would like to extend my gratitude to all those who sent in their entries.

“We received entries from Nigerians across the country, in the Diaspora, five of them are present today, which you all just met, apart from the winner,” noted the First Lady.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “We also have a brochure of the compilation of all the entries.

“Every design submitted is a demonstration of the depth of talent we have in Nigeria.”

She added: “I applaud each one of you for your contribution.

“However, we can only have one winner, but I urge you not to relent in expressing your creativity, imagination and nurturing your dreams and passion.”

Speaking at the event also, Hajia Nana Shettima, National Vice-Chairman of the RHI and Wife of the Vice-President, said the fabric initiative was aimed at promoting unity and creativity in Nigeria.

Hajia Shettima expressed pride in the realisation of the vision of the competition, which encourages Nigerians to think nationally before considering tribal or ethnic loyalties.

The initiative, she stated, 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.

Kukoyi noted the event was witnessed by dignitaries from across the country, including wives of governors, wives of the leaders of the National Assembly (NASA) and wives of security chiefs.

Others who graced occasion were former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; former First Ladies, including Mrs. Ajoke Murtala Muhammed; Justice Fati Lami Abubakar; and Dame Patience Jonathan.

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