Fashion Fusion Africa: Onomo GM Says creativity now powers Industry, Innovation
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The stylish ambiance of Onomo Allure Abuja AATC came alive on October 1, 2025, as it hosted the vibrant Fashion Fusion Africa Pop-Up Showcase, bringing together fashion designers, industry players, models, and cultural influencers from across the continent.
In a welcome address delivered by Nwankwo Ukachukwu Eugene, Front Office Manager, on behalf of Mr. Ben Badji, General Manager of Onomo Hotel, the GM emphasized that fashion is more than creativity, it is a powerful driver of industry, innovation, and opportunity.
“Fashion has always played an important role in shaping culture and identity,” said Badji. “Fashion Fusion Africa is a platform that brings together creativity and culture, while celebrating African heritage and embracing modern design.”
He noted that the hotel was proud to host such an initiative that not only promotes African fashion but also fosters collaboration, enterprise, and growth within the creative sector.
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The evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Paula Achichie, Convener of the world-renowned Calabar Carnival, brought powerful insight and inspiration, declaring that Nigerian fashion is taking over the globe.
“Whether we like it or not, we are literally feeding the world with our culture, through fashion, music, and entertainment,” she said.
Achichie announced that this year’s Calabar Carnival, themed “Truth Through Fashion”, will feature 54 events with participation from all ECOWAS member states, the United Nations, and global media partners such as BBC and CNN.
She also urged greater inclusion of fashion in major festivals and called for more platforms like Fashion Fusion Africa to empower local creatives, adding:
“Let’s support our designers, support our culture, and show the world what Nigeria, and Africa, truly represent.”
Fashion Fusion Africa: A Stage for Talent, a Voice for the Continent
Obinna Temple Obi (Esq), Convener of Fashion Fusion Africa, emphasized that the event is designed to give young and skilled designers a global platform to tell African stories through fabric.
“Our theme is ‘Fables Through Fabrics’. We’re using our textiles —Adire, Akwete, Aso Oke, and more —to tell African stories. This pop-up is just a preview of the full showcase on October 18–19,” Obi said.
He highlighted the need to reposition African fashion in the global market and encouraged African youth to create opportunities rather than wait for the government.
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Joshua C. Agu, Creative Director and Managing Partner of Outbox Experience, co-organizer of Fashion Fusion Africa, stressed the urgency for Africans to own their narrative.
“This platform was created to help smaller brands shine. Let’s tell African stories with our voices, our hands, our fabric,” Agu said. “Let’s make Africa shine to the world.”
Voices from the Runway: Models Speak on the Power of African Fashion
Young models at the event echoed the excitement of the night, each representing various African designers:
Shalom Israel, fashion model: “I’m here to showcase amazing creations from across Africa. It’s inspiring to wear pieces that tell stories.”
Goodness Kwose, model: “I’m wearing a bold, colorful design by Reako. My advice to young creatives? Be confident, follow your dreams, and never give up.”
Other models like Patience Ezema, Elendu Ikechukwu Great, and Chukwudiebere Benjamin Nyles also spoke passionately about using fashion as a medium for self-expression and storytelling.
What’s Next?
With its full event scheduled for October 18–19, Fashion Fusion Africa 2025 promises a spectacular showcase of African creativity, textile heritage, and the power of narrative through design.
