At the 4th edition of Ibadan Urban Fashion Week (IUFW) 2025, held in Ibadan, Nigeria, fashion and business leaders emphasized the need for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs to adopt a global outlook while leveraging fashion as a tool to promote cultural heritage.
Redefining African Fashion
Olasoji Awofesobi, the convener of IUFW and a fashion entrepreneur, explained that the purpose of the event is to redefine African fashion and project Nigerian urban style to the world. The platform aims to empower emerging designers, creators, and enthusiasts by giving them the opportunity to learn, share, and showcase their work through runway shows, workshops, panels, and networking sessions.
Cultural Influence and Economic Value
In her keynote address, Dr. Tinu Smith, founder of Datina Designs, stated that Nigeria is the trade centre of African fashion, fueled by its rich textile heritage, cultural identity, and growing global appeal. She noted that the sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and emphasized the importance of supporting made-in-Nigeria fashion to boost local industry growth.
Dr. Smith also encouraged entrepreneurs to master their craft, understand the business side of fashion, and use technology to build meaningful brands that share their stories and advocate for Nigerian culture.
Business Strategy for Fashion Success
Omolola Elsie Oluwale, founder of Lighthouse HR, highlighted the importance of business planning in the creative sector. She urged fashion entrepreneurs to develop business plans, secure funding, and recruit the right team to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. Without a plan, she warned, “there will be no clear direction for the business or its profits.”
Mental Health and Entrepreneurship
A key session at the event was the panel discussion on “Brand Owners and Mental Health,” moderated by journalist Catherine Adeogun. Panelists—including Awofesobi, Smith, Oluwale, Chisom Mabia, Gwendolyn Oshoniyi, and Motolani Akintayo—addressed the psychological toll of entrepreneurship.
They acknowledged that while stress and isolation are common in the business journey, mental health must be prioritized. They recommended that brand owners seek mentorship, nurture relationships, and protect their mental well-being by avoiding toxic influences and maintaining balance in their personal lives.
Showcasing Creativity
The event featured 15 exhibitors and eight runway designers, drawing participation from models, stylists, entrepreneurs, and fashion lovers. Awofesobi praised the event’s success, stating:
“The outcome of the runway was wonderful. People loved it, and it improved the designers’ visibility and patronage.”
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