First Lady Oluremi Tinubu unveils unity fabric

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, a symbol of national unity, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, the fabric was the winning entry in a national competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), chaired by Mrs. Tinubu.

Bamidele received a prize of N25 million for her design.

The #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition was launched in February 2024, calling on Nigerian youths aged 15-25 to create a design representing the country’s unity. The winning design was selected from 111 entries by a panel of judges, including renowned fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo and international textile designer Miss Banke Kuku.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Tinubu explained that the concept for a national fabric was inspired by a similar initiative she saw during her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023.

The competition aimed to foster a sense of unity and national pride among young Nigerians.

Senator Tinubu in a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, 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.

“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 Organization 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.”