The newly established Enugu Fashion & Garment Hub is poised to energise the local economy by providing structured training for 5,000 fashion entrepreneurs, equipping them with skills that are competitive on a global scale.
This announcement was made at the recent Enugu Fashion Roundtable, which attracted fashion entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government representatives.
The event was organised through a partnership between the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, represented by Mr. Fegho John Umunubo, Special Assistant to the President on Digital & Creative Economy, and the Enugu State Government, represented by the Enugu SME Agency under the leadership of Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah.
In his speech, Mr. Umunubo asserted, “The creative economy is a goldmine waiting to be fully harnessed.” He further emphasised, “Fashion is not merely about design; it is an economic powerhouse that, with the right support, can drive employment, foster wealth creation, and elevate Nigerian talent to global prominence.”
The discussions at the Roundtable focused on key issues such as access to funding, value chain integration, and establishing a global presence for Enugu fashion brands. Key contributors to the dialogue included Mrs. Olusola Babatunde, Founder of OSC School of Fashion; Ms. Ngozi Valerie Okochi, Co-Founder of Lady Beellionaire; and Mr. Oluwaseun Adedayo, Programme Associate at The Assembly. Each provided practical strategies for scaling sustainable fashion enterprises while maintaining cultural heritage.
“We possess the creativity and passion, but we require structured support in the form of finance, the right networks, and business development services,” Ms. Okochi remarked, eliciting nods of agreement from the audience.
“This initiative goes beyond mere training; it is about creating a thriving fashion ecosystem that extends beyond our borders,” Hon. Chilo-Offiah declared.
“Enugu is ready to establish itself as a creative and business powerhouse, and we are committed to realising this vision. It will position Enugu as a centre of excellence in the fashion industry, and the future of fashion here has never looked more promising.”
As the Roundtable concluded, participants felt a renewed sense of purpose. They left with more than just insights; they departed with the belief that they were part of a larger movement aimed at redefining fashion entrepreneurship in Enugu and beyond.
