In a bid to ensure diversification of economy and boost locally made goods, a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur has appealed to the FCT Admnistration and federal government to provide enabling environment for young producers of locally made goods to continue to excel.
Chief Executive Officer of JUstwan Dezign Couture, Mrs. Justina Wanda who made this appeal over the weekend during the maiden edition of the Creator’s Fair and Fashion Show, also
called for collaboration with agencies of government in order to identify hidden talents in Nigeria and global recognition of Nigerian fashion industry, just like the entertainment industry is currently gaining grounds globally.
With the Theme “AFROCENTRIC”, Mrs Wanda said, Art is life and has identified that Nigerians have excelled all over the world by exhibiting it’s culture through Arts and Creativities.
In the words of Mrs. Wanda”This a is positive developments that need to be encouraged. It is in line with the need to encourage this global recognition among others that JUSTWAN DEZIGN COUTURE decided to create a platform for creatives minds to showcase their creativity and unique styles in this year’s creator’s Fair and Fashion Show.
“AFROCENTRIC seeks to showcase the rich cultural heritage and identity of Nigerians as well made in Nigeria Arts and Craft.
“Nigeria being the most populous black nation on earth with our sense of styles is a force to reckon with anywhere and at all times.If we must compete favorably with global brands, we should be thinking of platforms like ‘JUSTWAN DEZIGN COUTURE’, that will promote these initiatives as a people.
One sure way to collaborate with agencies of government in identifying hidden talents in our Nation, Mrs. Wanda said is through our local contents that are so rich and in abundance.
” Justwan shall be available to lead the part beyond the shores of this country to Show that Nigerian brands have the global completiveness and has attained global acceptance”, she assured.
“Some of these brands will be on our runways tonight. It is my pleasure while thanking you, to formally inform you that we will keep this as an annual event which shall serve as a rallying point for the best brands in Nigeria and Africa while keeping our eyes on the global stage.
“As I lead you through our exhibition stands and our fashion show where you will be making purchases from our numerous items, I wish to inform you while requesting for your consideration of exploring our various partnership opportunities that will be of benefit to both parties.”
Timi Olagbemiro, the CEO of “TIMI EXCLUSIVE CLOTHIER” also called for patronage of made in Nigerian goods, as she complained that the patronage had not been really amazing , ” if not for the passion, I don’t think I could have continued, but thank God, it’s still encouraging”.
“I think the fashion show will play a positive role in my business because what we need is awareness to keep putting out ourselves there for people to be able to see.
“government should promote the Nigerian brand and they should try and make sure we are in the limelight by providing an enabling environment for our businesses to strive, instead of encouraging the importation of foreign goods. Most importantly, government should give grants to small and medium businesses” . He pleaded.
