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Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa- Musawa
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has urged Nigerians to promote and patronise locally made clothing to contribute to nation-building.
Musawa made the call at the inaugural African Fashion Festival Vogue on Saturday night in Abuja.
The event, themed “Thread of Africa: Weaving Fashion and Culture,” was organised by emerging Nigerian fashion designer Ms Firdausi Mohammed.
The minister praised the initiative for promoting African designs globally through the festival, stating that the platform offers opportunities for showcasing African designers in the fashion industry.
“It also promotes the Nigerian fashion industry to the world and empowers Northern voices in the sector,” she said.
According to the minister, now is the time to encourage and support homegrown products, especially within the Nigerian fashion industry, as it can compete on a global scale.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, also spoke, describing the initiative as a projection of Africa’s style, creativity, and vibrant spirit.
“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 value the craftsmanship, skills, and values woven 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 highlighted that from centuries-old hand-embroidery traditions to modern advancements in textile technology, Pakistan’s textile sector has evolved into a dynamic powerhouse.
The organiser of AFFV, Firdausi Mohammed, noted that the fashion festival aims to showcase the rich tapestry of African fashion.
Mohammed explained that the event also seeks to create a platform for networking and allows designers to spread their wings under one umbrella by showcasing the beauty of Africa’s cultural diversity through high fashion.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured renowned and upcoming designers, as well as members of the diplomatic community.
The highlight was a runway show infused with Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
(NAN)