From Paul Osuyi
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed his administration’s commitment towards the development of the fashion sector.
Oborevwori said the commitment was to make the sector another money spinner by investing in fashion talents across the oil rich state
The governor who spoke in Asaba during the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) also explained that his administration was committed to the overall human capital development.
Represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, Oborevwore said Delta hosted the event to highlight the state’s cultural diversity.
The festival with the theme ‘Celebrating African Creativity and Cultural Pride’ brought together top fashion designers, emerging talents, and models showcasing a diverse range of collections, including afro-contemporary, avant-garde, haute couture, and urban streetwear.
President of MAFEST, Charles Ozoemena described the festival as a bold initiative designed to spotlight Africa’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant fashion industry.
“Fashion is the second-largest sector after agriculture in Africa, and serves as a cornerstone for economic development, job creation, and youth empowerment.
“This is a meeting point, a celebration of collaboration where designers, models, celebrities, traders, and stakeholders come together to promote creativity, culture, and commerce. Through it, we project Africa’s voice to the world in bold colours and captivating patterns,” he stated.
Mr. Ozoemena said MAFEST provides an annual platform for emerging designers to showcase their work alongside established fashion icons, turning the event into more than just a runway show.
Chairman of the occasion and the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. ThankGod Trakilowel emphasized the fashion industry’s potential for job creation, revenue generation, and national development.
He noted that despite the lack of comprehensive data on Nigeria’s fashion market, the past decade has seen tremendous growth driven by local and international fashion shows that have positioned Nigeria on the global fashion map.
Chief Executive Officer of Parallex Bank, Dr. Femi Bakre, who received an award of excellence at the event, praised the initiative, stressing that it would not only support African talent but also elevate the continent’s standing in the global creative industry.
Bakre called on Nigerians and Africans at large to embrace and patronize homegrown fashion, urging collective effort to make Africa an envy to the world.
The festival featured 49 models and 17 fashion designers, showcasing the richness and strength of African fashion.