The Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, Godwin Emiefele, has reiterated the commitment of the bank to growing the fashion industry in the wake of the resounding success of ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020.
At the event, Emefiele praised Africa’s biggest fashion show for showcasing the huge potential of Nigeria’s fashion industry and the impact it has across the globe.
He also revealed some of the initiatives the federal government has set in motion for the sustainability of fashion entrepreneurs and designers.
“I will like to reiterate to stakeholders affiliated with the fashion industry that you indeed have a partner at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee in Nigeria,” Emefiele said.
“We are fully aware that the fashion industry in Nigeria can provide a positive and beneficial growth path for young Nigerians who seek to utilise their talents in creating products and services that offer value at home. And indeed, abroad. We will continue to ensure that these skills are harnessed to support the growth of the Nigerian economy, and also support the growth, the businesses of the Nigerian youth entrepreneurs.”
Emefiele said the bank will support 500,000 Nigerians with loans and skill acquisition. The bank will also provide a textile shared service facility that will train eligible Nigerians on how to design and develop good quality made in Nigeria fashion products for the local and export market and to “distribute their works on a large scale.”
ARISE Fashion Week ’30 Under 30’ was the first step in empowering young and emerging designers in Nigeria and across Africa with $500,000 split among participants.
Cash prizes, $5,000 each, were given out to the thirty participants and the winner, Kenneth Ize was given the grand cash prize of $100,000.
Rita Osakwe
Although Naomi Campbell took more of a backstage role at the just-concluded ARISE Fashion Week, lending support to the young designers and occasionally assuming hosting duties, the supermodel graced the catwalk in Tzar Studios on the last day of the event.
Naomi looked regal in a stunning maxi poncho and trouser combo from the Lagos-based fashion house. For his collection, owner and creative director Ian Audifferen employed a mixture of prints and muted colors to maintain a breezy aesthetic.
“I’m very proud—it’s an honour to wear their designs,” Campbell said. “I find these young designers right now, they’re so proud of their work. They’re confident because it has a story that they’re telling.”
The supermodel has long been a dedicated supporter of fashion from across the African continent and has backed Arise Fashion Week since its relaunch.
“These designers have never gotten the opportunity to be on a global platform, she said. “Designers need guidance and support that [ensures] they’re going into the right markets, working with the right factories, and connecting with the right collaborators.”
“I just want to see them succeed and achieve their dreams,” she said. “Designers from the African continent have been ignored for so long, so to see these designers get the chance to have the recognition they deserve makes me happy. You can open a door, but that doesn’t mean that everything works. Still, having equal opportunities is necessary.”
After two magical days of fierce competition on the grandest runway in Africa, Kenneth Ize was crowned winner of the 30 under 30 showcase, with Campbell herself announcing his victory. The supermodel said she will continue doing her part to bring about change, offering the designers insights gained over a more than 30-year fashion career, and using her platforms to give them exposure.