Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FAMCTCE) has called on Nigerians to promote and patronise made-in Nigerian clothes to contribute to nation-building.
Ms Musawa made the call at the maiden edition of African Fashion Festival Vogue (AFFV) on Saturday, November 3, 2024, night in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Thread of Africa: Weaving Fashion and Culture”, and it was organised by a young Nigerian fashion designer, Ms Firdausi Mohammed.
The minister lauded the initiative for promoting African designs to the world through the festival, adding that the platform provides an opportunity for the promotion of African designers in the fashion industry.
“It also promotes the Nigerian fashion industry to the world, and also promotes and empowers Northern voices in the fashion industry,” she said.
According to the minister, this is the time to encourage and promote homemade products, especially the Nigerian fashion industry because the industry can stand and compete with global fashion.
Also speaking, Retired Major General Sohail Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, described the initiative as projecting style, creativity, and vibrant spirit of Africa.
“Fashion, as we know, is not merely about clothing, it is an expression of identity, culture and creativity.
“Here in Nigeria, across Africa, and back home in Pakistan, we cherish the craftsmanship, skills, and values that we weave into our garments.
“These shared cultural assets bind us and serve as a foundation for potential collaboration in the fashion industry. Pakistan’s textile industry is one of the most prominent in the world,” he said.
He said that from centuries-old traditions of hand-embroidery and weaving to the latest advancements in textile technology, Pakistan’s textile sector had evolved into a dynamic powerhouse.
The organiser of AFFV, Firdausi Mohammed, said that the fashion festival was aimed at showcasing the rich tapestry of African fashion.
Mr Muhammed said that the event was also aimed at creating a platform to network and to give designers the opportunity to spread their wings under one umbrella.
According to her, this is by showcasing the beauty of Africa’s cultural diversity through the medium of high fashion.
The event paraded some renowned and upcoming designers and some members of the diplomatic community.
The high point was a run-way show which was infused with Nigerian rich cultural heritage.
