By Stellamaries Amuwa
The European Union (EU) has pledged to promote Nigerian fashion industry by way of diversifing the nation’s economy.
The regional body urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create enabling environment for business to thrive.
Speaking at a press briefing on the Afro-Euro runway in Abuja on Thursday, the head of the European Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Samuela Isopi stated that the runway is organised by EU member states in collaboration with the Abuja Fashion Academy.
Isopi said: “I think our common objective must be to help Nigerian economy to diversify, especially to feature those sectors that can serve a number of purposes, including creating jobs. EU would be working with Nigerian institutions to build the fashion industry.
“I hope the new administration will help partner with the private sector to create an environment where we can really help the sector in general.Textile is one of those because it really creates a lot of jobs. So this is our first objective. My role and that of our member states is to create the platform and then it is up to the Nigeria private sector and of course private companies from Europe.The very first edition of a special event, the afro Euro runway fashion show will held on June 16, 2023. When I arrived in Nigeria a few years ago, I said we should try and see how we can really facilitate dialogue between cultures using fashion.”
Meanwhile, a renowned Nigerian-Italian fashion designer, Paolo Sisiano, hailed the seven finalists, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity given to them.
Four winners are expected to emerge at the end of the fashion show.
