The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric yesterday, calling it a symbol of national unity. Designed by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, the fabric was chosen through a competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which Tinubu chairs.
Bamidele won a prize of N25 million for her design, which was selected from 111 entries by a panel of judges including fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo and international textile designer Miss Banke Kuku.
At the unveiling held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu shared that the idea for the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric stemmed from her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she saw a similar initiative. The competition, launched in February 2024, invited youths aged 15-25 to create designs symbolizing Nigeria’s unity.
Tinubu expressed her joy and appreciation for the successful competition and the quality of the designs. She highlighted the significance of the fabric in promoting national unity and overcoming tribal divisions, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and collective identity.
In her statement, Tinubu said: “Today, my heart is filled with joy as we unveil the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric, announce the competition winner, and present prizes. Congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mofinyinfoluwa for her outstanding work. The concept of a national fabric, inspired by my visit to Zimbabwe, aims to unify us as a people and celebrate our cultural diversity.”