This fabric was created by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan.
Miss Bamidele, who received a prize of N25 million, was declared the winner of a fabric design competition organized by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which is chaired by Mrs. Tinubu.
During her keynote address at the unveiling of the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric and the announcement of the competition winner, held on Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the First Lady shared that the idea for a national fabric was inspired by her visit to Zimbabwe in December 2023, where she encountered a similar initiative.
She noted that the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric Competition was launched in February 2024, inviting youth aged 15 to 25 to create a design symbolizing Nigeria’s unity.
A panel of judges, which included prominent fashion figure Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile designer Banke Kuku, and other supporters of the Renewed Hope Initiative, evaluated 111 submissions to select the top design.
Mrs. Tinubu praised the thorough selection process and expressed gratitude to the judges and members of the RHI Governing Board for their contributions.
“Today, I am filled with joy as we celebrate the unveiling of the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric, the announcement of the competition winner, and the prize presentation ceremony. Congratulations to Miss Bamidele Mofiyinfoluwa for her outstanding work.
“I would like to share a brief background on how we arrived at this moment. In December 2023, during my visit to Zimbabwe for the launch of the #WeAreEqual Unifying Campaign by the Organisation of the African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), I discovered the concept of a national fabric, which greatly intrigued me.”
I view this concept as a means of unification, allowing us to embrace our cultural diversity while dismantling tribal divisions to recognize ourselves as one nation. Consequently, I thought it would be beneficial to pursue a similar initiative.
Upon my arrival at a meeting of the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), I proposed this idea, and to my delight, it was met with enthusiasm. Subsequently, in February 2024, we launched the #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric Competition through various media channels, inviting youth aged 15 to 25 to design a fabric that would serve as the national unity fabric.
The competition closed for entries on June 30, 2024. On July 2, 2024, we welcomed two esteemed panelists: Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, a celebrated fashion icon with six decades of experience in the industry, and Miss Banke Kuku, an international textile designer known for creating the gift scarves I distribute.
Together with members of the Governing Board and some supporters of RHI, they undertook the challenging task of selecting the top design from 111 submissions. The selection process was thorough, and today we are pleased to unveil the winning design chosen by our expert judges. Congratulations and thank you, Mrs. Tinubu remarked.
The First Lady also announced that the new national fabric will be donned nationwide to commemorate the Independence Day Anniversary on October 1.
She revealed that local manufacturers will mass-produce the fabric, aiming to invigorate local textile industries, generate employment, and enhance the economy.
The First Lady emphasized that this project aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting creativity, supporting local businesses, and celebrating national identity and unity as the nation progresses.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who sent in their entries. We received entries from Nigerians across the country, in the Diaspora, five of them are present today, which you all just met, apart from the winner.
“We also have a brochure of the compilation of all the entries. Every design submitted is a demonstration of the depth of talent we have in Nigeria. I applaud each one of you for your contribution. However, we can only have one winner, but I urge you not to relent in expressing your creativity, imagination and nurturing your dreams and passion”.
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| L-R: Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman, RHI, Hajia Nana Shettima, winner of the #One Nigeria/Unity Fabric Competition Bamidele Mofiyinfoluwa Peace, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the presentation of the prize money and unveiling of the #One Nigeria/Unity fabric at the banquet hall, State House, Abuja on Monday 16th September, 2024 |
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| Wife of the Imo State Governor and Secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Mrs Chioma Uzodinma and her son on the runway, showcasing the newly unveiled #One Nigeria/Unity Fabric while the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and others watch during the presentation of the prize money and unveiling of the #One Nigeria/Unity fabric at the banquet hall, State House, Abuja on Monday 16th September, 2024 |
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| L-R: Wife of the Imo State Governor and Secretary of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, Renowned Fashion Icon Princess Abba Folawiyo, Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman RHI, Hajia Nana Shettima, First lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, winner of the #One Nigeria/Unity Fabric Competition Bamidele Mofiyinfoluwa Peace, Textile Designer Ms Banke Kuku and Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq at the presentation of the prize money and unveiling of the # One Nigerias/ Unity fabric at the banquet hall, State House, Abuja on Monday 16th September,2024. |
During the event, Nana Shettima, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and spouse of the Vice President, highlighted that the fabric initiative is designed to foster unity and creativity within Nigeria.
She expressed her pride in the successful realization of the competition's vision, which encourages Nigerians to prioritize national identity over tribal or ethnic affiliations.
Mrs. Shettima noted that the initiative involves the creation and distribution of 200,000 pieces of a national unity fabric, with substantial allocations designated for Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, along with additional pieces for other stakeholders.
The event was attended by esteemed guests from across the nation, including the spouses of governors, leaders of the National Assembly, and security chiefs.
Notable attendees included former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and former First Ladies such as Ajoke Muhammed, Fati Abubakar, and Patience Jonathan.