Yemi Obafemi
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric to break down tribal barriers and identify people as one nation.
During the unveiling of the fabric at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan who was among those who designed the fabric emerged the winner of the competition.
In her keynote address, the first lady said described the fabric as a symbol of national unity where Nigeriansccan infuse their cultural diversity.
As the winner of the fabric design competition, Bamidele, went home with a prize of N25 million.
It is ,organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, chaired by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Mrs. Tinubu 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.
In a statement by senator Tinubu, media aide, Busola Kukoyi, she 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.
“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 selection process and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of RHI for their efforts.
