Wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled the National Unity Fabric designed by a graduate of the University of Ibadan, Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele.
The First Lady described unity fabric as a symbol of national unity.
The fabric designs competition was organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu.
Bamidele, who emerged the winner of the competition, was honoured with a prize of 25 million naira (N25m).
In her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and announcement of the winner of the competition held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu explained that the concept of a national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she saw a similar initiative.
She said the OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition was launched in February 2024, calling on youths aged 15-25 to create a design that would represent Nigeria’s unity.
A panel of judges, including renowned fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile fashion designer Miss Banke Kuku and other friends of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), selected the best design from 111 entries.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the rigorous selection process, and thanked the judges and members of the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) for their efforts.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also disclosed that the new national fabric would be worn across the country to celebrate the Independence Day Anniversary on October 1, 2024.
She disclosed that the fabric will be mass-produced by local manufacturers to stimulate local textile industries, create jobs, and boost the economy.
Also speaking at the event, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, said the fabric initiative is aimed at promoting unity and creativity in Nigeria.
She expressed pride in the realization of the vision of the competition, which encourages Nigerians to think nationally before considering tribal or ethnic loyalties.
Shettima said the initiative includes the production and distribution of 200,000 pieces of a national unity fabric, with significant allocations to Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, and additional pieces to other stakeholders.
