The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to patronise Nigerian made goods by dressing in Nigerian wears at all times.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba made the call today on the occasion of “Dress Nigeria Fashion and body adornment exhibition” organized by his Ministry at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
Alhaji Mohammed said that if we want the international market to open up to our stakeholders in this sector, we at home need to take the lead, celebrate our Aso Oke, Akwette, Luru and the likes. He stressed that the Fashion Industry has the capacity to employ a large number of persons from diverse discipline thereby making the creation of wealth a reality.
Alhaji Mohammed urged Nigerians to invest in fashion business as well collaborate in expansions towards breaking all limitations and international barriers, stating that “Nigerians are bold, intelligent and hardworking so I have no doubt that with untiring determination and government support, our fashion world will soon become a boom greater than oil”.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba represented by the Director, Entertainment and Cultural Services Ms Grace Gepke in her welcome address said in line with the Change Agenda of this administration, the Ministry is renewing its commitment to promote and preserve our Cultural Heritage which the Fashion Industry is a major component to reposition the nation economically.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that “the Fashion Industry will create the much needed employment for our teeming population especially the youth as well as boost foreign exchange earnings for our country”.
According to her, “Nigerian indigenous designers are versatile and can use Nigerian fabrics to produce beautiful attires and not just the usual Iro and Buba or the Kaftan and Agbada”. She therefore enjoined the teeming populace to be a true Nigerian by buying Nigerian Fabrics, Dress Nigeria and look glamorous.
The Dress Nigeria Fashion Show/ Exhibition debuted in year 2011. This year’s edition is strategized to stimulate awareness on investment opportunities of the sub-sector, galvanize local patronage of our indigenous fabrics and textiles, assist Nigerian designers and stakeholders to increase production of local fabrics and ultimately reposition the Ministry and its sub-sectors as key priority economic drivers.
A renowned Assistant Director of Culture in the Ministry, Mr Ayo Ayanwale entertained guests with the talking drum to add colour to the event.
Olumide Osanyinpeju
For Director (Press)
