The Federal Government, through the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, inaugurated a multi-million naira garment factory in Abuja owned by fashion brand Mo'Afrique. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the company and the launch of its new mass-market brand, Modish, including a sub-brand, Modish Formals, targeting institutions requiring large-scale clothing production. Oduwole praised founder Omobolanle Olawale for growing the business from her parents' bedroom into a full-scale manufacturing facility. She described the factory as "industrialisation in action" and urged Mo'Afrique to export across Africa and globally under AfCFTA.
Olawale stated the factory aims to address gaps in Nigeria's clothing market, where luxury fashion has grown but everyday and institutional wear remain underserved. The facility uses modern technology and local talent to boost manufacturing capacity and create jobs. She noted Nigeria spends $6 billion annually on imported clothing, with over 90% of fabrics sourced abroad, alongside challenges like smuggling and poor infrastructure. As part of its corporate social responsibility, Mo'Afrique also launched the Modish Scholars Programme to support education for disadvantaged children.
Omobolanle Olawale built a factory from a bedroom business while Nigeria still imports 90% of its fabrics. The government celebrates her success but has not reversed the import dependence she criticises. If local production is now a priority, why do policies still allow massive fabric imports? Her factory is a milestone, but systemic gaps remain unaddressed.
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