AFWL, YABATECH Unite to Promote Nigerian Fashion Culture Globally
Her Imperial Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, CEO of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), has partnered with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to promote Nigerian and African fashion on a global scale.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a significant move to elevate Nigeria's fashion culture on a global stage, Her Imperial Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), has partnered with the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH). The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the college and AFWL, focusing on Fashion Design and Textile Design, along with initiatives related to African Fashion Week in London and Brazil.
Dr. Masud Ajala, the Director of Linkages, Partnership & International Relations at YABATECH, highlighted the Queen's commitment to national development through fashion. This partnership aims to create opportunities for YABATECH students to participate in internship programs within Africa's fashion hubs and showcase their talents at the upcoming African Fashion Weeks in London and Brazil.
Olori Ogunwusi expressed her vision for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to promote African fashion, creativity, and cultural expression. She noted that this initiative follows the successful showcasing of YABATECH students at the Africa Fashion Week in Nigeria in 2015, where they gained valuable industry experience.
The collaboration will offer YABATECH students a range of benefits, including participation in African Fashion Week events, mentoring programs, fashion workshops, internships, and job placement opportunities at the Adire Textile Industry in Ile-Ife. According to Olori Ogunwusi, “Together, we will promote Nigeria and African fashion globally; empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and foster cross-cultural understanding.”
The event’s significance will be further underscored by the 10th Anniversary of African Fashion Nigeria, scheduled for December 6 to 8, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel. This milestone celebration will showcase the creativity and designs from YABATECH students, adding glitz and glamour to the event.
Prof. Funsho Afolabi, Chairman of the YABATECH Governing Council, commended Olori Ogunwusi for her initiative, expressing confidence in the college as a fertile ground for nurturing talent. He assured that the partnership would yield fruitful results, enhancing the college's reputation in the fashion industry.
Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of YABATECH, echoed these sentiments, stating that this collaboration marks a dream come true for the institution as it seeks to make its students global stars. He expressed excitement for the upcoming African Fashion Weeks and reiterated the college's commitment to ensuring students reap the benefits of this partnership.
