Remi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, revealed a fabric to encourage national togetherness.
According to a statement issued Monday, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by the first lady, held a fabric design competition in Abuja.
Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a 25-year-old University of Ibadan graduate, won the competition and was awarded N25 million.
Remi, in her keynote talk, stated that her visit to Zimbabwe in 2023 inspired the concept of the national fabric.
She stated that the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition, which was launched in February, challenged teenagers aged 15 to 25 to produce a design that represented the country’s togetherness.
The competition concluded on July 30, with judges Zainab Abba Folawiyo and Banke Kuku, both fashion designers, selecting the winning design from 111 entries.
The president’s wife announced that the national fabric would be worn to commemorate Independence Day on October 1.
She also stated that local manufacturers will mass-produce the cloth to encourage the local textile industry, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.
“Today, my heart is filled with joy as we have just witnessed the unveiling of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric. I say big congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mufiyinfoluwa, she did quite a fantastic job,” Remi said.
“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 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.
“We received entries from Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora. 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.”
Nana Shettima, the vice president’s wife, also spoke, stating that the fabric effort will encourage togetherness and creativity in Nigeria.
She stated that 200,000 pieces of the fabric had been created and will be distributed to various stakeholders, with large allocations to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.
Dignitaries like as governors’ spouses, leaders of national assemblies, and security chiefs’ wives attended the ceremony.
Former First Ladies Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, Fati Lami Abubakar, and Dame Patience Jonathan all attended the event.
