Remi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, has launched a fabric aimed at promoting national unity.
The Renewed Hope Initiative, chaired by the first lady, organized a fabric design competition in Abuja.
Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Ibadan, won the competition and received a prize of N25 million.
Remi Tinubu stated in her keynote address that her visit to Zimbabwe in 2023 inspired the concept of the national fabric.
She said the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition, launched in February, had called on youths between 15 and 25 to create a design representing the country’s unity.
The competition ended on July 30, with judges Zainab Abba Folawiyo and Banke Kuku, both fashion designers, choosing the best design from 111 entries.
The president’s wife said the national fabric would be worn to celebrate Independence Day on October 1.
She added that local manufacturers will mass-produce the fabric to stimulate the local textile industry, create jobs, and boost 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.”
Also speaking, Nana Shettima, wife of the vice president, said the fabric initiative will promote unity and creativity in Nigeria.
Bamidele, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Ibadan, received N25m for designing the national fabric.
She said 200,000 pieces of the fabric have been produced and will be distributed to various stakeholders, with significant allocations to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.
The event was witnessed by dignitaries, including wives of governors, wives of the leaders of the national assembly leaders, and wives of security chiefs.
Former first ladies Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, Fati Lami Abubakar, and Dame Patience Jonathan also attended the event.
