Fashion designers plying their trade in Asaba have been told to recreate the traditional ‘Akwa Ocha’ of the Anioma nation to clothing materials that will appeal to the people and promote its cultural value.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, made the call on Saturday at Chybee African Festival of Culture and Fashion, which showcased locally designed female clothes.
The Asagba, who spoke through his Chief of Staff and Akudo of Asaba, Chief Ejike Nwokolo, said the ‘Akwa Ocha’ remained a highly cherished traditional attire of Anioma people, especially of Asaba, and should be recreated into different designs in order to popularized it.
Asagba Prof Azinge commended the founder of Chybee Entrepreneurship Foundation for Women, Lady Chinyere Chukwudi, for empowering women in fashion design, saying that was the way to go in the face of the prevailing high rate of unemployment in the country.
The First Class traditional ruler called on other entrepreneurs in different trades in the state, and indeed the country, to emulate Chybee Foundation, so as to strengthen the private sector to create jobs and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He thanked the Foundation for honoring him with an award for Royal Leadership Excellence, promising to continue to show purposeful leadership and commitment to rolling out people-driven reforms for the greater good of his kingdom.
The Asagba congratulated the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme and advised them to take advantage of the opportunity given them to grow their businesses and create jobs for others.
Earlier in her welcome address, Lady Chinyere Chukwudi said Nigeria’s fashion industry had become a significant contractor to the nation’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities for designers, artisans and entrepreneurs.
Lady Chukwudi added that African culture and fashion also served as a powerful reminder of a people’s cultural identity, and in a globalized world remained truly authentic, instilling pride in people’s root and reminding them of the beauty in diversity.
She said events like the Chybee African Festival of Culture and Fashion celebrated Nigeria’s rich heritage, fostered cross – cultural understanding and built lasting connections, while also serving as a tool for advocacy, empowering individuals, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
The event featured testimony of beneficiaries, exhibition and fashion run-way, dances, presentation of awards, grant presentation, magazine launch, among other activities.
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