Adire fashion hub to promote tourism globally — Queen Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi
By Jeleel Olawale
The Founder of Africa Fashion Week, London (AFWL) and one of the gatekeepers of African Tourism, Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogumwusi, has said that Africa Fashion hub would promote tourism globally.
Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi stated this at African Fashion Week Press Conference which is taking place on three continents simultaneously, in Sao Paolo Brazil, South America, London in Europe and Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
She commended her husband, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, for partnering with Brazil to ensure that the relationship between the two countries is maintained.
According to her, Ooni has used Africa fashion to promote Yoruba culture and identity, which would grow our gross domestic product.
According to her, Africa Fashion Week is a successful initiative already established in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and Africa.
“We chose Brazil because Brazilian culture is synonymous to Nigeria which Nigeria is keen into. We want the world to see more of similarity of Brazil and Nigeria culture.
“Brazil, naturally is our second home to Africans. Many Africans seem to identify with Brazilians and feel at home.
“Today, Brazil has adopted Yoruba language as their second language, and this partnership is for the benefit of Nigeria,” Queen stated.
According to her, AFWL is taken to Brazil because it is the home of about 90 million African of black descendants and would give opportunity for designers to come from different African countries.
She added that this will afford people the opportunities to take African culture to Brazil through Ooni. This will give every young Nigerian opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage as a member of black nation.
The Founder opined that it will also provide job opportunity for the youths, for young graduates would be encouraged to take up vocational skills like fashion, Adire textile hub from Nigeria to Brazil.
“We have trained a lot of people on this in which will give them economic benefits.”
Queen Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi noted that Adire is being worn all over the world and has been boosting national economy, which Ooni has used as an instrument of sustainability and wealth creation.
“A lot of people are interested in textile and fabric industry especially Adire textile which have attracted global attention.
“This is to enable young people to showcase their skills in fashion industry, adding that fashion and music are ways to engage the people.
“We have organised a lot of seminars to sensitise people on the need to embrace Adire attire especially in United Kingdom and the Palace is one of the gatekeepers of Adire. Africa has its own unique fashion culture,”she said.
Queen stated that, “There are different fashion styles in Africa but Nigeria has Adire which we are trying to promote and showcase the best of African fashion design.”
She added, “Designers who are not even African are wearing Adire as native attire. They are now using our fabric to create so many creative designs.
“The Brazilians cherish African culture and tourism. The current Brazilian President has invested a lot in African culture and tourism.
“AFWL has successfully hosted over 1,200 emerging and established designers and exhibitors from 26 African countries and 70 nationalities over the past 12 years.
“Through these events AFWL offers a range of activities, including runway shows, exhibitions, workshops and networking opportunities, creating a platform for African designers to showcase their collections and connect with the global fashion industry,” she stated.
She noted that the “cultural contribution of fashion is to rescue our national identity for the reflection of tourism in global economy. It will create massive opportunity to showcase African fashion to a new audience in South America.
“It will give black fashion students footing that will prepare them for the barriers they may face in their career and teach them how to overcome them and become world-class designers.”
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that Africa Fashion Week will be held in Brazil, in the city of Sao Paulo (Expo Centre Norte) in partnership with FEAFRO international Institute on 25th, 26th and 27th May, 2023.
