The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has introduced 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 won ₦25 million as the prize for emerging victorious in a fabric design competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which is chaired by the First Lady.
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and the announcement of the competition winner, held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu revealed that the concept for the national fabric was inspired by a visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she encountered a similar initiative.
She noted that the OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition was launched in February 2024, inviting youths aged 15-25 to design a fabric representing Nigeria’s unity.
A panel of judges, including renowned fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile fashion designer Miss Banke Kuku, and other associates of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), selected the top design from 111 submissions.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the thorough selection process and expressed her gratitude to the judges and members of the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for their dedication and 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 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.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also announced that the new national fabric will be worn nationwide to commemorate Independence Day on October 1, 2024.
She revealed that the fabric will be mass-produced by local manufacturers, aiming to stimulate the local textile industry, create jobs, and boost the economy.
The First Lady stated that the project supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by fostering creativity, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the nation’s identity and unity as it progresses.
“I 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”.
“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. 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”.
At the event, Hajia Nana Shettima, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and wife of the Vice President, emphasized that the fabric initiative is designed to promote unity and creativity throughout Nigeria.
She expressed pride in the competition’s success, highlighting its goal of encouraging Nigerians to prioritize national unity over tribal or ethnic affiliations.
Hajia Shettima announced that the initiative will involve the production and distribution of 200,000 pieces of the national unity fabric, with substantial allocations for Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, as well as additional pieces for other stakeholders.
The event was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including the wives of governors, National Assembly leaders, and security chiefs.
Notable attendees included former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Dimeji Bankole, former First Ladies Mrs. Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, and Dame Patience Jonathan.