ABUJA – The Federal Government said on Wednesday that no fewer than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries will participate in the World Fashion Fair slated for July 3 to July 5 in Abuja.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr Edem Duke, said this when he addressed State House correspondents on the outcome of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
He said 30 journalists from 17 countries would also attend the event adding that many consultants to international designers from France, Canada, South Africa and Italy would also participate.
“We have had confirmation from 25 countries participating at this event. We have 30 international fashion journalists coming from 17 countries.
“We also have consultants to the big designers, globally: four of them are coming in from Paris, five from Canada, two from Italy and eight from South Africa.
“All of this goes to show that this is where the leadership is, especially in this sector, and something of great significance to this country.
“At the end of the day we will be expecting a participation of about a 1,000 delegates at this event opening on July 3 and concluding on July 5, 2014 in the capital city of Abuja.’’
Duke said that Nigeria was selected from five African countries that signified interest to host the global fashion event.
He also said that the World Fashion Organisation with the endorsement of the African Union (AU) had agreed to establish the first World Fashion University as well as a major garment industry in Nigeria.
He said that the two projects would be fully funded by the private sector.
According to the minister, the Fashion University, when operational, is expected to graduate 1,000 students annually while the proposed garment industry will employ 1,800 workers.
“The World Fashion Organisation with the endorsement of the African Union has decided that Nigeria will be not just the host of the African Fashion event 2014 but it has identified Nigeria where it will invest in the establishment of the first World Fashion University as well as the establishment of a major garment industry.’’
He said the university would certify designers from different parts of the world.
He described the choice of Nigeria to host the proposed institution as a clear testimony to the abundant talents in the country. (NAN)
