First Lady Oluremi Tinubu unveiled the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric, a symbol of national unity, designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan. Bamidele, who emerged victorious from a competitive design challenge, walked away with a N25 million prize, marking a significant moment for Nigerian creativity and youth empowerment.
The fabric design competition, launched in February 2024 by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), invited young Nigerians aged 15 to 25 to create a design that would symbolize the unity of the nation. Mrs. Tinubu, who chairs the RHI, revealed that the inspiration for this initiative stemmed from her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she encountered a similar national fabric during the launch of the #WeAreEqual Unifying Campaign by the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
“We can infuse our cultural diversity and break down tribal barriers to identify as one nation,” Mrs. Tinubu remarked in her keynote address. She noted that the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric aims to foster a collective national identity, embracing Nigeria’s diverse cultures and promoting unity among its citizens.
The competition attracted 111 entries, judged by a panel that included iconic fashion designer Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo and international textile designer Banke Kuku. Both judges, along with other members of RHI’s Governing Board, selected Bamidele’s design after an exhaustive review process. Mrs. Tinubu applauded the quality of the submissions, highlighting the immense talent in Nigeria’s young creatives.
As part of the initiative, the First Lady also announced plans to mass-produce the fabric locally in time for the country’s Independence Day celebrations on October 1st. This project, she said, would stimulate the local textile industry, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including wives of governors, security chiefs, and National Assembly leaders. Former Nigerian First Ladies Ajoke Muhammed, Fati Abubakar, and Patience Jonathan were also present, underscoring the importance of the fabric as a symbol of unity in the country.
Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of the RHI, emphasized that the fabric initiative promotes national consciousness over tribal or ethnic loyalties. She announced that 200,000 pieces of the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric would be distributed nationwide, with Lagos, Kano, and Abuja receiving priority.
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The #OneNigeria Unity Fabric represents more than a fashion statement. It is a rallying point for a united Nigeria, a vision carried forward by the creativity of the country’s youth and the leadership of Mrs. Tinubu.
