“The ARISE Fashion Week is a great testament showing the world how we as Nigerians are working hard and constantly innovating to improve the lives of our youth and our people while opening up our economy and encouraging foreign investment to ensure economic growth and progress for all citizens.”
These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Niyi Adebayo, at the just concluded Arise Fashion Week. This year’s show was held in Dubai in collaboration with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to mark Nigeria Day at the Dubai Expo 2020.
Typical of the Arise Fashion Week, it only keeps getting better. This year’s event was held at the Armani Hotel, Dubai. It featured the best of Nigerian Fashion, from Lisa Folawiyo to Banke Kuku, Kenneth Ize, Odion Mimonet, Lanre Dasilva-Ajayi, Onalaja and Ziva Lagos. On the runway also was a long time partner of Arise Fashion Week, Naomi Campbell.
This is the first time Arise Fashion Week is showcasing in Dubai.
Also gracing the glamorous event that was held at Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele who also reiterated the Banker’s Committee commitment to renovate the National Theatre.
“The project is costing the Banker’s Committee almost USD100 million to resuscitate and refund the National Theatre.”
He further stressed that so far, about USD5 billion has been disbursed to support the creative industry initiatives in fashion, film, music and television.
The occasion saw the launch of ARISEPlay, the streaming platform from the THISDAY/ARISE Media Group dedicated to showing the best of African entertainment to the world. It recently partnered with BBC Studios to deliver stories that are inspiring.
Keeping the crowd entertained was Nigerian born entertainer D’banj. The Koko master and Senegalese American singer Akon did an excellent job of thrilling the crowd to their favourite tunes.
Over the years, Arise Fashion Week has earned the reputation of discovering fashion talents and creating a platform form for them both at home and on the global stage.
For the Chairman THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena, the platform is relentless in promoting and projecting a reputable image of the country.
“Our generation will ensure that we build a Nigeria that can stand the test of time in 2050 when we become the populous economy of the world and those building blocks you can see in the power of creativity, technology and everything else. We are determined to tell the world that the time of Nigeria is here.”
