The jewel of the Middle East, Dubai, yesterday, December 3, went agog when some of Africa’s best designers showcased their creativity at the Arise Fashion Week 2021, as part of Dubai Expo’s Nigeria Day.

With a runway surrounded by water fountains that extends into a lake, the venue of the event was at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai.

Tapping into the theme of the Expo ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the Dubai show was a continuation of the tradition of AFW, which not only beams the spotlight on Nigerian and African fashion designers but projects the future of Nigerian fashion.

The dynamic and innovative fashion creations of Nigeria’s most celebrated designers, including Lisa Folawiyo, Lanre DaSilva, Ituen Basi, Huddaya, Banke Kuku, Kenneth Ize, Onalaja, Yutee Rone, Ziva Lagos, Titi Adesa took turns to lite up the runway with originality and professionalism, to the admiration of the audience.

In his speech at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo applauded the Nigerian youths who have emerged among the best in the creative world like, fashion, music, film and technology.

He urged them to be law-abiding in whatever country they find themselves in, take the power of their creativity and hard work to make the world a better place.

“They must eschew violence, drugs, fraud and other criminalities and use all their talents to build a new world order.” He advised.

As a government, he said they will do all they can to ensure equity and justice for all Nigerians against all forms of brutality. Before our very eyes, a new Nigeria is emerging as we lay the foundation for the Nigerian century. “I urge the world to watch Nigeria as we rebuild and transform,” he said.

Earlier, Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman, THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel in his opening remarks at stated that Nigeria is being celebrated despite her many challenges and the is generation will ensure that we build a Nigeria that will stand the test of time in 2050 when the country becomes one of the third largest or most populous economies in the world.  And those building blocks are in the power of creativity, technology, and the power of everything else.

“We are determined to tell the world that the time of Nigeria is here.” He said.

ARISE Media Group also launched ARISEPlay, a streaming platform. According to the management, ARISEPlay’s MOVIEBOX will get its international debut as its exclusive content submission platform for congregating filmmakers’ and producers’ works from around the world.