Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, a symbol she described as representing the nation’s diversity and togetherness. The fabric, designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, emerged as the winning creation from a national competition spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which Mrs. Tinubu chairs.
At the unveiling ceremony held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her pride in the initiative, which was inspired by a similar campaign she encountered during a visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023. “This concept of a national fabric fascinated me. It beautifully symbolizes unity in diversity, breaking down tribal barriers and promoting our shared identity as Nigerians,” she said in her keynote address.
The #OneNigeria/UnityFabric Competition, which was launched in February 2024, called on young Nigerians aged 15 to 25 to design a fabric that would embody the spirit of national unity. Bamidele’s winning design was selected from 111 entries by a distinguished panel of judges, including Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, a veteran fashion icon, and Banke Kuku, an internationally renowned textile designer. The young designer was awarded a prize of N25 million.
Mrs. Tinubu praised the judges and the governing board of the Renewed Hope Initiative for their diligence during the selection process. “I want to thank everyone involved in this journey, especially the judges. The process was rigorous, but the result is something we can all be proud of—a fabric that truly represents Nigeria’s unity,” she stated.
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The First Lady also announced that the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric would be mass-produced locally, to stimulate the textile industry and create jobs. The fabric will be worn nationwide during the Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2024. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes local industries, supports creativity, and strengthens the national identity.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, emphasized the fabric initiative’s goal of fostering unity across Nigeria. “This initiative encourages us to think nationally before considering ethnic or tribal divisions,” she said, adding that 200,000 pieces of the fabric would be distributed across key regions, including Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.
The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including wives of governors, National Assembly leaders, and security chiefs, as well as former First Ladies like Ajoke Muhammed and Patience Jonathan. The unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s efforts to promote unity and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
