Fashion: Nigeria is ahead of other African countries — Lexy Mojo-Eyes

The major challenge was meeting a populace that was not really ready for it. So, this made the whole process very difficult for us. We had to begin by re-orienting both the designers, other industry practitioners, government and Nigerians in general of the economic values inherent in the clothing and textile industry.

You created a platform for the younger generations in Nigeria. Looking back now, how does that make you feel?

I am very happy about it but I won’t say I am fulfilled, because, we have not achieved 100 percent of our goals.

The younger generation must look inward both for inspiration and patronage of the Nigerian clothing industry. That is the only way we can grow the contribution of the clothing industry to Nigeria’s GDP.

It started right from when I was growing up. I always wanted to look different in my dress sense right from my youth and I succeeded in doing that.

I wanted to create a national platform that will encourage designers and Nigerians to start looking inward at all local fabrics, accessories and designs. The idea was to create a platform that will empower women and youths in the various fashion vocations thereby creating jobs.

Our major challenge was funding and sponsorship. This was more also because, prior to that time, people didn’t take fashion shows as serious business. So, we had to change that mentality

It’s been interesting and exciting, but also with its ups and down

 How were you able to surmount the challenges you faced?

Determination, passion and by always looking at the big picture

We have moved from just impacting Nigeria in the fashion and textile industry. In partnership with the African Union, we are taking on the whole of the African continent. Our new project is the Africa Fashion Reception.

The Africa Fashion Reception(AFR) is a Pan African initiative. It brings together fashion designers, fashion icons, First Ladies, ambassadors, ministers and the media from over 30 African countries for a celebration of cultural diversity expressed through the artistic fashion discipline with the proud theme, ‘Africa is the new inspiration for global fashion’

 Its goals and objectives include: To build bridges by creating free trade and partnerships among fashion practitioners throughout the African continent .To attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the socio- economic growth of the continent’s garment/textile industry.

Others include objectives are; expanding the potential power of fashion as a tool of fighting poverty in Africa by creating wealth through the empowerment of women and youths in the various fashion vocations through training, capacity-building schemes, workshops and setting up of medium/small scale businesses thereby supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

 Based on the AFR, the African Union invited me to address the 4th Pan African Cultural Congress in Johannesburg 27th April, 2015.

It has grown tremendously. We still have a lot to do.

It’s moving towards the right direction.

 Rating Nigeria and her counterpart in other countries, how do you think we can measure up?

Nigeria is ahead of other African countries when it comes to the quality of work by our designers. Also, our designers can measure up to designers from the developed world if given a level-playing ground.

They should tap into the opportunities inherent in the clothing industry because it is very viable.

As a fashion icon, what is your definition of style

Simple, unique and classy

For me, fashion is life.

How do you relax considering the number of things you do?

I hardly find time to relax because of my tight schedules. But I find time in-between my trips and work.

What do you think about the dominance of female fashion designers in Nigeria?

It is normal. Fashion is women.

Diploma in Journalism

For me it is not about numeration in terms of money but fulfilment and the joy of impacting people positively.