European Union (EU) has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with the private sector in creating a conducive environment for its prosperity. This statement was made by Samuela Isopi, the Head of the European Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, during a press briefing in Abuja. Isopi also discussed the upcoming Afro-Euro runway event, scheduled to take place in collaboration with the Abuja Fashion Academy on Friday, June 16. She expressed the EU’s willingness to work alongside the Nigerian government to ensure the success of the private sector, particularly in the fashion industry.
She emphasised that the EU plans to forge partnerships with Nigerian institutions to strengthen the fashion sector. “I hope the new administration will join forces with the private sector to create an environment where we can truly support the industry as a whole,” Isopi stated. “Textile production, in particular, generates a significant number of jobs, making it one of our primary objectives. My role, as well as that of our member states, is to provide a platform, while the Nigerian private sector and European companies will contribute their expertise.” Regarding the upcoming Afro-Euro runway event, Isopi highlighted its significance, saying, “This inaugural edition of the Afro-Euro runaway fashion show is set to take place on June 16, 2023. When I arrived in Nigeria a few years ago, I expressed the need to explore how fashion could serve as a means to facilitate cultural dialogue. Together with our partners, we have successfully orchestrated an extraordinary initiative that brings together numerous talents.”
During the event, Paolo Sisiano, a renowned fashion designer, commended the seven finalists and encouraged them to seize the opportunity before them. Sisiano expressed his gratitude to the EU for providing this realistic opportunity, which he believed would shape the next five years of the designers’ lives. He also highlighted Nigeria’s abundance of talent and its capacity to introduce innovation to the fashion industry. Today, the seven finalists will compete in the runway event, from which four winners will be selected.
