The 35th National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) continues to excite Nigerians as the display of Nigerian creativity in indigenous fabric designs left many marvelled.
This is due to the level of creativity displayed by various states who had used local fabrics peculiar to their state to make different costumes.
The indigenous fabric and fashion competition segment of the festival held at National Stadium, Lagos, had the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara exhibit their wealth of creativity.
Delta, known as the Big Heart state, took creativity to another level as they exhibited local fabrics used to create security men's uniforms, chef uniforms and some corporate attires.
The local fabrics used included aso-oke, Ankara, adire, and isiagu.
Also, the Gateway State, Ogun state was not left behind as they showcased the essence of beauty in simplicity, the fact that fashion was not just an outfit but a statement was reinforced.
The state known for its mass production of adire fabrics displayed different uniforms made with the fabric in colourful and beautiful designs.
Lagos state, the Land of Excellence, rich in rafia and many other resources displayed footwear made with the combination of rafia and aso-oke.
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Similarly, Rivers, the Treasure Base of the Nation, affirmed this with the unique exhibition of carefully designed uniforms for various purposes.
For Kwara, the State of Harmony, manipulated local fabrics peculiar to the state to produce different styles.
The state known for local fabrics like asho-etu and sanyan used in ancient times for wedding ceremonies created lovely outfits to the amazement of the revellers.
Etu combined with adire fabric was also used to make their shoes.
The State of Honour and Integrity, Ekiti state in a dramatic display presented local Ala.
Kogi, the Confluence City, exhibited locally hand-woven material called Ashi, used by the wealthy class in society in the olden days.
The state strategically designed Ashi in multiple colours, carefully collected from states across the federation, to sensitise Nigerians on the need to remain one as a nation.
The Glory of All Lands, Bayelsa had beautified Etipiri, abada, aso-oke as well as tie and dye fabrics on display.
The indigenous fabric and fashion exhibition will be an eye-opener for Nigerians and it behoves Nigerian leaders to latch on to the enormous opportunities in the textile industry.
This is another industry capable of addressing the nation’s challenge of employment.
