The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which she described as a symbol of national unity.
The fabric was designed by 25-year-old Miss Mofiyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan.
Bamidele, who took home a prize of N25 million, emerged as the winner of a fabric design competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by the First Lady.
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and the announcement of the competition winner, held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Senator Tinubu shared that the concept of a national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she witnessed a similar initiative.
She explained that the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition, launched in February 2024, called on youths aged 15 to 25 to create a design that would symbolize Nigeria’s unity.
A panel of judges, including renowned fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile designer Miss Banke Kuku, and friends of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), selected the winning design from 111 entries.
Senator Tinubu commended the rigorous selection process and expressed gratitude to the judges and members of the RHI Governing Board for their efforts.
“Today, my heart is filled with joy as we unveil the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric and announce the winner of the competition. Congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mofiyinfoluwa for her outstanding work.
“This moment stems from my visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where I encountered the concept of a national fabric. I was fascinated by how they used it as a unifying symbol, showcasing cultural diversity while breaking down tribal barriers. Upon returning to Nigeria, I shared the idea with the Governing Council of RHI, and everyone was excited about it. This led to the launch of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric competition in February 2024.”
She further explained that entries for the competition closed on June 30, 2024, and the judging process began on July 2, 2024. “We invited Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo and Miss Banke Kuku to join our Governing Board and friends of RHI in selecting the best design from 111 submissions. It was a rigorous process, but we are delighted with the outcome,” Mrs. Tinubu said.
The First Lady also announced that the new national fabric would be worn across the country for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2024.
The fabric will be mass-produced locally, a move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s textile industry, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by promoting creativity, supporting local enterprises, and celebrating national identity and unity.
“I extend my gratitude to all who participated in the competition. We received entries from Nigerians both at home and abroad. While only one winner was selected, I urge all participants to continue nurturing their creativity and passion.”
Speaking at the event, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, emphasized that the fabric initiative aims to foster unity and creativity in Nigeria.
She commended the competition’s success in encouraging Nigerians to prioritize national identity over tribal affiliations.
The initiative includes the production and distribution of 200,000 pieces of the national unity fabric, with allocations to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, as well as other key stakeholders.
The event was graced by dignitaries from across the country, including wives of governors, National Assembly leaders, and security chiefs.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Dimeji Bankole, along with former First Ladies Mrs. Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, and Dame Patience Jonathan, were also in attendance.
