Adejobi Olubi, an aide to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said the country can leverage the enormous potential in the fashion industry to revitalise the economy.
He also said that the nation’s fashion industry has the potential of exceeding $ 10 billion in a year.
Olubi, who is the organiser of the forthcoming Osogbo Fashion and Garment Week, during which various designers would have the opportunity to exhibit their work, made the disclosure at the press conference heralding the event held in Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Intergovernmental Affairs also said that during the fashion week, a series of events that would create jobs for many youths from the state and positively impact Osun’s economy would be held.
Giving further insight into the events, Oluyi said, “In terms of the designers we are working with, we started with about 50. After accessing them, we took that number down to the 17 we are having today.
“On that day we will be having between 40 – 45 models that will display various designs of these designers. The event will showcase fashion design innovations, vision, ingenuity and skills of talented young designers, garment makers, jewellers, make-up artists, models and other technicians in the Osogbo fashion eco-chain.
“There will be an Award of Osogbo Designer of the Year on the Main Event Day, 30 November 2024. Awards will also be given to the following categories of attendants: Best Dressed Individual; Best Dress Couple; Best Dressed Group of 4.”
Asked if leveraging fashion could assist the government at all levels to diversify the economy, Olubi said, “Nigeria’s fashion industry has the potential of exceeding $ 10 billion in a year.
“I was at a fashion show last week, and having spent an hour there, I sent a message to my team, including the designers, that we have a lot more to offer. The government can leverage this huge market to diversify the economy.
“What we are bringing to the market in Osogbo Fashion and Garment Week is fresh and original. We are infusing our traditional garment into contemporary designs to make it unique.”
