The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which she described as a symbol of national unity.The fabric was designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan.
Bamidele, who went home with a prize of N25 million, emerged the winner of fabric designs competition, organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, chaired by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and announcement of winner of the competition at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the concept of a national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she saw a similar initiative.
She said the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition was launched in February 2024, and called 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 President’s wife commended the rigorous selection process and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of RHI for their efforts.
Senator Tinubu in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, said: “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 prizes. 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.”
END.
