Culture

Minister Hannatu Musawa urges Nigerians to support local fashion industry

Published

2 years ago

November 4, 2024

National Tourism Policy, Nigeria tourism, public-private partnerships, sustainability in tourism, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), tourism policy validation

Minister Hannatu Musawa calls on Nigerians to support local fashion to boost cultural pride and economic growth at the African Fashion Festival Vogue.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has encouraged Nigerians to embrace and support locally made clothing, emphasising its role in fostering national identity and economic growth.

Speaking at the inaugural African Fashion Festival Vogue (AFFV) on Saturday in Abuja, Musawa highlighted the importance of promoting the Nigerian fashion industry on a global scale and empowering local talent.

Also read: Akwa Ibom: Fashion show to reposition state as top tourism destination debuts

The festival, themed “Thread of Africa: Weaving Fashion and Culture,” was organised by emerging Nigerian designer Firdausi Mohammed and drew notable figures from the fashion industry and diplomatic community.

Musawa praised the event’s efforts to showcase African designs and provide a platform for designers to reach international audiences, stating, “The platform offers opportunities for showcasing African designers in the fashion industry. It also promotes the Nigerian fashion industry to the world and empowers Northern voices in the sector.”

Emphasising the global competitiveness of Nigerian fashion, Musawa noted that now is an ideal time to support homegrown products, as the industry possesses the creativity and craftsmanship to succeed internationally.

She urged Nigerians to take pride in their cultural heritage by choosing locally crafted garments, which play a significant role in both nation-building and economic empowerment.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, also addressed the gathering, commending the initiative as a celebration of Africa’s vibrant creativity and cultural expression.

“Fashion is not merely about clothing; it is an expression of identity, culture, and creativity,” Khan remarked. He drew parallels between African and Pakistani traditions in textile craftsmanship, suggesting that these shared cultural assets could inspire future collaboration within the fashion industry.

Khan highlighted the prominence of Pakistan’s textile sector, which combines centuries-old hand-embroidery techniques with modern advancements in textile technology, making it a global powerhouse.

Event organiser Firdausi Mohammed shared her vision for AFFV, explaining that the festival aims to showcase Africa’s diverse cultural heritage through fashion.

Mohammed said, “Our goal is to create a networking platform for designers to spread their wings under one umbrella and to celebrate the beauty of Africa’s cultural diversity through high fashion.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the event was attended by both established and emerging designers, diplomats, and fashion enthusiasts.

The highlight of the evening was a runway show infused with elements of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, symbolising the potential of the African fashion industry to connect people through shared cultural values and artistic expression.

AFFV’s success underscores the growing interest in promoting African fashion on a global stage and aligns with Musawa’s call for Nigerians to support their local industry, strengthening both cultural pride and economic

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Culture

Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

Published

14 hours ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

15 hours ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.