Creative Personality Of The Year
With a degree in Geology from the University of Maiduguri, Seyi Adekunle could have opted for several other vocations that the society consider more prestigious. But while he was undergoing his mandatory national youth service in Akwa Ibom State, he acquired a skill that has turned out to be of inestimable value to him.
He started with sewing shirts and boxers for his colleagues who were his first clients. He later registered a company called Testimony Fabrics in 2001. In 2003, he changed the name to Vodi, a name he considered shorter and more African.
Even though he attempted to be a banker, providence redirected his plan as he moved on to pursue a career in fashion even without a shop where he could ply his trade. Instead, he traveled around with a go-bag to buy materials, sewed from home and deliver to his clients.
As business progressed, Adekunle expanded the company to what is now known as Vodi Group, which includes Vodi Clean, Vodi Training Institute, Vodi Debo and Vodi Textile.
His fashion business pays attention to details and silhouettes in the creation process. His business line is largely inspired by dimensional patterns and vertical structures for creativity. His brand designs and outfits are for top shots in Nigeria.
Seyi Adekunle is winner of The Sun Creative Personality of the Year.