- Oluremi Tinubu unveiled #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, a new national symbol designed by Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, who won N25 million for her winning entry
- The concept for the national fabric was inspired by a similar project seen by Tinubu during her visit to Zimbabwe
- The judging panel included fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo and international designer Miss Banke Kuku
Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unveiled a #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, which was designed by Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a 25-year-old University of Ibadan graduate.
The First Lady disclosed at the unveiling of the fabric on Monday, September 16 that the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric was a competition launched in February 2024, inviting youths aged 15-25 to submit designs symbolising Nigeria’s unity.
Tinubu announces Bamidele, winner of #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition
According to a statement from her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu said, “Today, my heart is filled with joy as we have just witnessed the unveiling of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric, the announcement of the winner of the competition and the presentation of prizes. I say big congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mufiyinfoluwa, she did quite a fantastic job.
During her keynote speech at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and the announcement of the competition winner at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu revealed that the idea for the national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she observed a similar project.
Emerging as the winner of the fabric design competition, Bamidele took home N25 million, from the contest organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the leadership of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Tinubu explains how Zimbabwe's concept inspired her
“I would like to briefly share the background to what led us to this moment. In December 2023, I visited Zimbabwe for the launch of #WeAreEqual Unifying Campaign of the Organisation of the African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and on this visit, I came across the concept of a national fabric, which they have, and this fascinated me.
“I believe this concept is a unifying one, where we can infuse our cultural diversity and break down tribal barriers to identify as a people of one nation. So, I decided that it would be a good idea to have a similar experience.”
Remi Tinubu applauds selection process by judges
“The fabric will be mass-produced by local manufacturers – Sunflag Nigeria Limited in Lagos and BBY Multitrade Limited in Kano – to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and boost the economy,” she added.
The First Lady praised the thorough selection process and expressed her gratitude to the judges and the Governing Board of Renewed Hope Initiative for their dedication and hard work.
Among the judges were fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile designer Miss Banke Kuku, and other friends of the RHI, who selected the winning design from 111 submissions.
Nigerian government announces N100M AI fund for startups
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Google announced the launch of a groundbreaking N100 million AI Fund.
According to the report, the strategic partnership is designed to foster technological advancement and drive growth within Nigeria’s digital economy.