we're still processing this news item but we thought we'd share anyway. the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has decided to create what they're terming a "National Dress Brand" for all nigerians. citing ghana's distinct kente cloth and its recognition such that one can hardly think ghana without thinking kente, Otunba Runsewe, the managing director of NTDC, stated at the unveiling of this movement last week that:
“We have decided to introduce a Nigerian Dress Brand that appeal[s] to the dress sense of all Nigeria[ns], depending on the choice, quality and price.” We found the Ankara textile fabric as one that cuts across every ethnic, cultural and social borders (sic) to bring unity and economic development to our textile mills and the people.
“Though, Ankara is mostly used at social gatherings but we want to encourage it more like the Kente in Ghana which has become the order of the day and you can find it everywhere in the world and the people are very proud of it. Why can’t the Ankara rule the world too? Nigeria is big and [there is] no part of the world that you cannot find Nigeria[ns] so let['s] start to use it anywhere we go to show that we have some things unique [to us] too.”
apparently, brands like jewel by lisa, zizi cardow, and amede are working with the NTDC on this project, and NTDC plans to carry out its objectives in partnership with City People magazine.
thoughts?
xo