To emphasize Nigeria’s vibrant heritage, Wear Nigeria is collaborating with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) to host its inaugural runway event from November 8 to 10, 2024. This initiative seeks to showcase the cultural and economic value of Nigeria’s Textile sector while pushing for policies that empower local craftsmen and foster the expansion of the textile industry. The rich textile heritage of Nigeria, encompassing Aso Oke and akwete, embodies a deep cultural significance while presenting a valuable prospect within the international Fashion scene.
These historical fabrics are enduring emblems of tradition, artistry, and social standing. The Textile Industry in Nigeria represents more than just a cultural legacy; it is a vital component of the nation’s economy. In 2015, Nigeria’s fashion sector made up 15% of the $31 billion fashion industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, a report from Euromonitor indicates that from 2010 to 2019, this sector experienced a growth rate of 17%. Such expansion underscores the significant opportunities that traditional materials like aso oke, adire, and akwete present for the country’s economic advancement.
Adequate policy and investment are needed in the sector.
The upcoming Wear Nigeria event, themed “Textile as a Tool for Empowerment and Sustainability,” will kick off with a symposium in Lagos State. This gathering will unite fashion specialists, governmental representatives, and key players in the industry to explore ways to utilize Nigeria’s textile heritage for both cultural preservation and economic empowerment. After the symposium, there will be a two-day showcase featuring designers from across the globe, emphasizing the innovative and sustainable fashion created using Nigerian textiles. This exhibition aims to honour these unique fabrics while demonstrating their potential to support local Artisans and boost the nation’s economy.
During a press conference prior to the event, Austin Aimankhu, the founder of Wear Nigeria, highlighted the need to back the sector with policy and investment. They aim to showcase materials such as aso oke and akwete, while promoting policies and funding to aid local craftsmen in expanding their enterprises. He elaborated that the conference would promote discussions regarding challenges faced by the industry, production setbacks, and the increasing interest in traditional Nigerian textiles in both domestic and international markets.
Nigeria’s fashion can become the next significant opportunity.
Furthermore, Aso oke, a traditional fabric of the Yoruba people, and akwete, valued by the Igbo, hold significant cultural significance in Nigeria. Yet, these customs face the threat of vanishing if they do not adapt to contemporary trends. Acknowledging this reality, Aimankhu emphasized that Wear Nigeria’s fashion showcase serves to honour Nigeria’s textile legacy while also striving to preserve and promote these age-old practices. He advocated for government strategies that would promote the textile sector, stressing that traditional weaving and dyeing techniques could generate substantial employment opportunities if adequately funded.
In alignment with Aimankhu’s perspective, Soji Odedina, the Group Managing Director at First Katalyst Marketing and a partner at Wear Nigeria, emphasized the ability of fashion to bring about significant change. Similar to how Nigerian music and cinema have established a worldwide presence for the nation, fashion can become the next significant opportunity. They possess a resource that could transform Nigeria’s financial landscape. He stated that with increased Investment in Technology and infrastructure, Nigeria could emerge as a frontrunner in the global textile industry, enabling quicker production and expansion of textile operations.
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Lastly, to elevate this sector and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian textiles, they must utilize the appropriate tools. He emphasized that the Wear Nigeria runway event serves as a venue to display the elegance of Nigerian materials while also supporting local craftsmen and enhancing Economic Growth in communities. He suggests that a rise in the use of conventional textiles could boost demand, resulting in elevated production rates and, in turn, generating additional employment prospects for craftspeople. The rich textile history of Nigeria possesses incredible opportunities for both Cultural Heritage preservation and economic development.