HUMBUZZ - A Former Miss World Speaks: Young Talent Thriving in Nigeria (Perspective)

- by Agbani Darego

As I arrive In Lagos, Nigeria for the Arise Magazine Fashion week, I am excited to be home but more so excited about what the shows mean for the fashion industry in Nigeria and for Africa at large.

Some say its premature for us to think Lagos will become part of the international fashion circuit. I say why not? Maybe not right now, but certainly in the near future. Let’s be optimistic. We certainly do have plentiful talent that can rival foreign counterparts. 

The fashion industry in Nigeria has grown rapidly in the last few years and I’ve looked on participating in the industry and the change, knowing that there was more to come. And now we have our own fashion week! 

Knowing that over 50 African designers are gathered in Lagos to showcase their ever so diverse sense of style to the world gives me the thrills and reinforces my confidence about the potential of this industry.

I feel extremely lucky to say that I was a part of the first Arise Fashion Week in Lagos -  featuring designers such as Tiffany Amber, Kluk CDGT, Jewel by Lisa, Pierre Antoine Vettorello, Lola Faturoti,Bunmi Koko, Re Bahia,Korto Momolu Lanre Da Silva, Odio Mimonet, Tsemaye Binitie, Ituen Bassey and Nigeria’s own fashion design icon, Deola Sagoe.

To be sure, the first attempt by Arise Magazine at pulling this off wasn’t without its share of problems. The first day shows started hours later than scheduled but I prefer to focus on the recovery from that first day and the showing of the talented designers. Focus on the fact that Arise Magazine Fashion Week, Lagos actually happened.  This will certainly be a point of reference for the industry and I feel truly inspired having been there and seeing what African talents have to offer.

I hope that readers will sense my excitement for the talent and creative minds involved in this initiative. But it doesn’t stop there. My excitement extends to the opportunities that this brings for our youth - as well as our expanding entertainment sector -music and film, and the dormant  tourism sector. 

I do hope that the federal government takes a page from the successful showing of this event and extends help to boost these promising sectors. They should recognize that not only will badly-needed jobs be created for the youth but that it will create a boost in our economic status. And, more importantly, it will reignite the fire, the hope, and belief in the youth for our nation and for our future. 

Agbani Darego is a Nigerian model best known as the first black African to win the Miss World title. She is currently studying psychology at New York University.

Click here for a HUMNEWS audio interview with Agbani in Lagos.