A 25 year old graduate of the University of Ibadan, Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, has won a fabric design competition organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the pet project of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Bamidele carted home a cash prize of N25 million.
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the OneNigeria/Unity Fabric and announcement of the winner of the competition, which held Monday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, 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 competition was launched in February 2024, and provided an opportunity for 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 and international textile fashion designer, Miss Banke Kuku, selected the best design from 111 entries.
Tinubu commended the rigorous selection process and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of RHI for their 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 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.
“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 replicate same experience here.
“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 was 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,” Tinubu said.
The First Lady disclosed that the new national fabric would be worn across the country to celebrate the Independence Day Anniversary on October 1, 2024, adding that will be mass-produced by local manufacturers with a view to stimulating local textile industries, create jobs, and boost the economy.
The First Lady said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by fostering creativity, supporting local enterprises, and celebrating national identity and unity.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries from across the country, including wives of governors, presiding officers of the National Assembly and that of security chiefs.
Others who were at the event were former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; former First Ladies, Mrs. Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, Hajia Maryam AJustice Fati Lami Abubakar and Dame Patience Jonathan.
