The #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, a new emblem of national unity created by 25-year-old Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, was unveiled by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
A N25 million cash prize was awarded to the winner of the design competition.
Over 111 designs were submitted for the competition, which was run by the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). A team of judges, which included worldwide textile designer Banke Kuku and fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, chose the winning design.
“Today, my heart is filled with joy as we witness the unveiling of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric,” Mrs. Tinubu remarked during the unveiling ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Kudos to Miss Bamidele Mufiyinfoluwa for her outstanding performance.
She clarified that she got the idea for a national fabric while visiting Zimbabwe in December 2023 and witnessing a related project at the Organization of African First Ladies for Development’s (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual unifying campaign.
According to Mrs. Tinubu, “I think this idea is a unifying one, where we can infuse our cultural diversity and break down tribal barriers to identify as a people of one nation,” and the tournament was meant to symbolize the nation’s unification.
The first lady also declared that Sunflag Nigeria Limited and BBY Multitrade Limited in Kano would mass-produce the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which will be worn throughout the country on October 1, 2024, in honor of Independence Day.
She continued by saying that the project supports local businesses and encourages creativity in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who sent in their entries,” she stated. Aside from the winner, we received entries from Nigerians living abroad; five of them are here today and you’ve all just met them.
A pamphlet containing a compilation of all the entries is also available. Every design that is submitted demonstrates the breadth of talent that exists in Nigeria. I thank every one of you for your participation. Even though there can only be one winner, I implore you to keep using your imagination and creativity to express yourself and to pursue your passions and aspirations.
The Nigerian coat of arms was added to the winning design by our outstanding textile designer, Miss Banke Kuku, and the Renewed Hope Initiative team to truly make it a national fabric.
By showcasing this design, we hope to inspire two local manufacturers, Sunflag Nigeria Limited in Lagos and BBY Multitrade Limited in Kano, to produce the unity fabric in large quantities locally so that it can be affordably purchased by all Nigerians.
“We hope to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and strengthen our economy by mass producing this fabric.” We hope that this fabric will be utilized to represent love, unity, and pride in our country in both everyday life and national celebration events.
“This project is in line with our larger goals of celebrating a national identity, encouraging creativity, and assisting local businesses in line with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Officially, the fabric will be worn nationwide on October 1, 2024, for our Independence Day celebration.
“As we move forward, I pray that this fabric will bring happiness, peace, love, prosperity, and unity to our country. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is blessed by God.
The wife of the vice president, Hajia Nana Shettima, who is also the national vice chairperson of the RHI, spoke at the occasion and stated that the goal of the fabric initiative is to encourage creativity and unity in Nigeria.
She took delight in achieving the competition’s goal of encouraging Nigerians to think nationally rather than primarily in terms of their tribal or ethnic allegiances.
According to her, the project entails the creation and dissemination of 200,000 pieces of a fabric representing national unity, with major portions going to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja and extra pieces going to other stakeholders.
Dignitaries from all throughout the nation, including wives of security chiefs, governors, and National Assembly leaders, attended the ceremony.
Dame Patience Jonathan, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, Mrs. Ajoke Muritala Muhammad, and Hon. Dimeji Bankole, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, were among the attendees.