Anambra Fashion Expo: Stakeholders Appraises Indigenous Talents, Encourages Public-private Partnership In Sector
As the maiden edition of the Anambra Fashion Exhibition held in the large auditorium of the International Convention Centre(lCC) in the state capital of Anambra, stakeholders took time to chart a course for a new oil well in a digitalised economy.
Supported by major fashion brands, Adaorah Soludo, daughter to *His Excellency, Gov.Chukwuma Soludo* hosted stakeholders and designers to the first ever fashion exhibition in Anambra.
The creatively crafted event had in attendance,Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Rt. Hon.Paschal Agbodike, the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, MD/CEO, Anambra State Printing Corporation(ANPC),*Chuka Nnabuife*, members of the Actors' Guild of Nigeria, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a host of other players in the industry.
In his remarks, Gov.Soludo encouraged the youths to be creative and embrace opportunities. He reaffirm his commitment to encourage Made in Anambra products and also promised that the next edition of the programme will be top notch.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Don Onyenji emphasised the need to appreciate and preserve our cultural heritage. He said the fashion show was a display of the celebration and propagation of the rich cultural values and potentials in Anambra state pointing that cultural festivals including new yam festival( lriji).
On a similar note, the Head of Operations, Ejimofor Okpara expressed his delight regards the event despite varying challenges.
"Governor Soludo is passionate in promoting indigenous talents especially as he is regarded as the ambassador of *Akwuete* fabric. He reiterated that the fashion show was geared towards discovery ,promoting and sustaining local designers in the state and diaspora.
On his part, Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Mba, said the fashion exhibition was the first of its kind in Anambra state and that it was a kind of encouragement to the young people to patronise made in Anambra products. Mba thanked the Soludo- led administration for creating the atmosphere for talent discovery and empowerment.
Similarly, the SA to the Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr. Nelson Obinna Omenugha said the fashion show featured youths who are very passionate in their various endeavours in the fashion industry. Omenugha described the show as a gateway to self expression and creativity. According to him, there are technology- driven plans to encourage and empower youths of Ndi Anambra
The programme was divided into two phases, Masterclass and Runway Modelling.
The Masterclass had speakers and influencers in the industry engage in an interactive session with participants. Nduka Udeh , MD/CEO of Export and Sell LLC based in Texas,USA explained that his company is into commercialization. He said his company has trained over a thousand Nigerians on hows to export their products to the US and earn in foreign currency.
Ozinna Anumudu, founder of Ozinna.com and TSC Agency also highlighted points an entrepreneur should adopt in the clothing sector to maximise one's success.
Some of the designers and models who spoke on the occasion affirmed the timely intervention of the programme and expressed optimism that regular programme as such will boost the morale of the youths and encourage hardwork.
Deji Ibikunle, MD, TNMAX Garments Industries based in Oba,Anambra state said they were at the fashion expo to showcase hotel uniforms, casuals and office wears. He emphasised the need to patronise Made in Nigeria products citing that locally made products are durable and affordable.
Speaking on sidelines, one of the designers, Kelechi Emmanuel, the Creative Director of KK West Fashion based in Aba Abia state, said the Anambra maiden fashion show was a good platform for fashion entrepreneurs to showcase their products as well as build the ecosystem of Nigeria.
The second phase of the programme involved the exhibition and runway modelling. Various designers seize the opportunity to display several trendy and colourful designs, cultural dance performance, comedy and a lot more.
