First Lady Unveils #OneNigeria Unity Fabric as Symbol of National Cohesion

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday unveiled the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric, a symbolic initiative aimed at fostering national unity and celebrating the country’s cultural diversity.

The winning fabric design was created by 25-year-old Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, who was awarded a cash prize of ₦25 million. Bamidele emerged the winner of a nationwide design competition organised by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which is chaired by the First Lady.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Senator Tinubu shared the inspiration behind the initiative, revealing that the idea of a national unity fabric was conceived during her December 2023 visit to Zimbabwe. There, she encountered a similar concept tied to national identity and unity during the launch of the #WeAreEqual Unifying Campaign of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

Motivated by that experience, she launched the #OneNigeria/UnityFabric competition in February 2024, calling on Nigerian youth aged 15 to 25 to design a fabric that would embody the spirit of national unity.

The competition attracted 111 entries, with the final selection made by a distinguished panel of judges, including fashion icon Princess Zainab Abba Folawiyo, international textile designer Banke Kuku, and other prominent supporters of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Commending the high quality of submissions and the credibility of the selection process, the First Lady expressed gratitude to the judges and the RHI Governing Board.

In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said:

“Today, my heart is filled with joy as we unveil the #OneNigeria Unity Fabric and present the winning prize. I extend heartfelt congratulations to Miss Mofinyinfoluwa Bamidele, whose creativity and vision captured the essence of national unity.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of the initiative, the First Lady added:

“This fabric represents more than just a design. It embodies our shared identity as Nigerians, transcending ethnic and tribal boundaries. It is a symbol of unity, pride, and hope values that bind us together as one nation.”

The #OneNigeria Unity Fabric is expected to serve as a cultural emblem at national events, public institutions, and official occasions, reinforcing the message of peace and unity across the country.