First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Monday, September 15, unveiled the #OneNigeria/Unity Fabric during a ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The fabric, it was gathered, is a symbol of national unity and cultural diversity.
This special fabric, intended to foster a sense of togetherness across the country, will be worn nationwide on October 1, 2024, in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day.
In her keynote address, Tinubu emphasized the significance of the fabric in promoting national pride and unity.
She announced that the fabric would be mass-produced by two local manufacturers—Sunflag Nigeria Limited in Lagos and BBY Multitrade Limited in Kano—to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and contribute to the nation’s economy.
“By mass-producing this fabric, we aim to stimulate local industries, create jobs, and boost our economy,” Tinubu explained, adding that the fabric would be used in both national events and everyday life as a symbol of unity, love, and national pride.
The #OneNigeria/Unity Fabric was designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, who emerged as the winner of a nationwide fabric design competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, chaired by the First Lady.
Bamidele was selected from 111 entries and awarded a cash prize of N25 million for her winning design. Tinubu praised the creativity of Bamidele and the rigorous selection process led by esteemed judges, including fashion doyenne Zainab Abba Folawiyo and international textile designer Banke Kuku.
The concept of a national fabric was inspired by Tinubu’s visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she observed a similar initiative that captivated her.
Following this experience, the First Lady launched the #OneNigeria/Unity Fabric Competition in February 2024, inviting young Nigerians aged 15 to 25 to submit designs that would represent the nation’s unity. After a thorough selection process, Bamidele’s design was chosen, and the fabric was officially presented during the ceremony.
The First Lady expressed her excitement about the project, reflecting on how the idea took shape within the RHI Governing Council.
“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,” she remarked.
The competition received widespread attention, and the panel of judges carefully selected the winning design, ensuring the fabric reflected the spirit of unity that the First Lady envisioned.
Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of RHI, also spoke at the event, highlighting the fabric’s role in promoting national unity and creativity.
She noted that the initiative was designed to encourage Nigerians to think beyond tribal or ethnic loyalties and embrace a collective national identity.
The fabric will be distributed nationwide, with 200,000 pieces allocated to key cities such as Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, as well as to other stakeholders across the country.
The launch of the #OneNigeria/Unity Fabric marks a significant step towards fostering unity and pride in Nigeria’s cultural diversity, with the hope that it will become a cherished symbol of national identity for years to come.
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