The 2025 editions of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria were officially unveiled at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, celebrating Adire as more than just fabric but a representation of identity, heritage, economic value, and a vibrant future.
Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, Special Adviser to the Osun state government on SDG goals, Bamikole Omishore, called on global investors to embrace Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry.
“Adire is not just cloth, it is history, it is identity, it is capital, and it is the future,” he declared.
He announced that Osun hosts Nigeria’s largest natural indigo reserve and revealed that Adire pieces from the early 1900s were found at the British Museum, labelled as originating from the western region of Nigeria.
“That moment was humbling and affirming,” Omishore said. “It reminded us that this art has long been part of global culture and now it’s time to reclaim, redefine, and reposition it.”
He praised the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which allows over 3,000 Nigerian products, including Adire and indigo-dyed fabrics to enter the UK duty-free.
“This is a strategic tool for economic empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and sustainable development.”
Omishore urged guests to partner with Osun State, to invest in the creative value chain and in indigo dye. “Indigo is one of the few natural dyes in the world and we have it in abundance.”
Also speaking at the event, British Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter affirmed the UK’s support, saying the fashion week is more than a show it’s a bridge between cultures and markets.
“Indigo Elu is a powerful reminder of how culture and creativity can bring people together,” Baxter said. He encouraged Nigerian stakeholders to leverage the UK’s tariff cuts to boost exports of cotton and textile products, highlighting, “Woven cotton tariffs are dropping to 6.4%, while cotton clothing and raw cotton remain duty-free.”
He congratulated Africa Fashion Week’s founder, Her Royal Majesty Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi saying, “Through both the Nigerian and London versions of the fashion week, she has championed a powerful vision where tradition inspires transformation.”
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi took the stage to reflect on the 15-year journey of Africa Fashion Week and the challenges faced by African creatives.
“In 2016, one of our designers received a bulk order from a US store but couldn’t fulfil it because the fabric wasn’t available. That moment led to the birth of the Adire Odua Textile Hub,” she revealed.
She said the initiative has trained over 1,000 women and youth in Adire-making for free, creating sustainable livelihoods rooted in heritage.
“Africa is rising with her own voice and wisdom,” she said. “Elu Indigo is not just a dye; it is ancestral pride.”
As the 15th edition of Africa Fashion Week London approaches in August, followed by the Nigerian edition in December, the evening closed with a clear message; African fashion is not just beautiful, it is powerful, profitable, and ready for the world stage.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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