Promoting African heritage encouraged for Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs during Ibadan Urban Fashion Week 2025
The fourth edition of the Ibadan Urban Fashion Week (IUFW) 2025 took place on Saturday in Ibadan, with a focus on promoting the growth of fashion in Africa. The event, which attracted models, fashion entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, was a resounding success, significantly boosting the visibility and patronage of the designers involved.
The event featured 15 exhibitors showcasing their products and eight designers gracing the runway. Panelists, including Olasoji Awofesobi, Dr. Tinu Smith, Olumolola Elsie Oluwale, Chisom Mabia, Gwendolyn Oshoniyi, and Motolani Akintayo, offered valuable insights and advice in their respective areas.
Olasoji Awofesobi, the convener of IUFW, aims to redefine African fashion and present Nigerian urban fashion culture to the world. Awofesobi emphasised the potential and global recognition of the Nigerian fashion industry, rooted in its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditional textiles, and financial impact, which is estimated to be worth billions of naira and a key contributor to the nation's GDP.
Dr. Tinu Smith, a business coach and founder of Datina Designs, declared that Nigeria is the trade hub of Africa for fashion. Smith encouraged Nigerians and Africans to support locally-made clothes and fashion products to boost local fashion entrepreneurs. Smith also advised fashion entrepreneurs to perfect their craft, gain a deep understanding of the industry, and utilise technology to enhance their brands and tell their stories through fashion.
Olumolola Elsie Oluwale, a human resource expert, provided insights on the strategic and planning aspects of the fashion business. Oluwale advised fashion entrepreneurs on how to craft effective business plans, secure funding, hire top talent, and sustain their businesses and brands.
A panel session titled 'Brand Owners and Mental Health' was held, moderated by Catherine Adeogun. The panel emphasised the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of regular conversations about mental health, and strategies to combat stress and mental exhaustion. Motolani Akintayo, a clinical psychologist, and Chisom Mabia, a social entrepreneur, also shared their expertise during the event.
IUFW provides a platform for emerging fashion designers, enthusiasts, creators, and brands to showcase their talents, acquire new skills, and exchange experiences. The event featured fashion workshops, panel discussions, runway shows, and networking opportunities, offering ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with industry experts, investors, and potential customers.
To promote culture, the event encouraged designers to incorporate traditional elements into their designs, organised workshops and exhibitions that showcased traditional crafts, textiles, and motifs, and facilitated collaborations between local artisans and contemporary designers.
While specific strategies and advice offered at the Ibadan Urban Fashion Week 2025 for promoting culture, growing businesses, and managing mental health challenges are not directly detailed, these general strategies reflect common practices that might be beneficial for Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs attending such events. For specific advice and strategies discussed at the Ibadan Urban Fashion Week 2025, it would be best to consult official event materials or reports. The theme of IUFW 2025 was 'Promoting Growth of Fashion in Africa.'
- Olasoji Awofesobi, the convener of IUFW, discussed the potential of the Nigerian fashion industry in the area of finance, highlighting its global recognition, rooted in its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditional textiles, and immense financial impact, worth billions of naira and significantly contributing to the nation's GDP.
- Dr. Tinu Smith, a business coach and founder of Datina Designs, emphasized the need for Nigerians and Africans to support locally-made fashion products, as she declared Nigeria to be the trade hub of Africa for fashion, and advised fashion entrepreneurs to utilize education-and-self-development opportunities to enhance their brands and garner success in the business world.
