Sygnific Stitches, China Cultural Centre promote Nigerian, Chinese culture at fashion show

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Sygnific Stitches Fabrics, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria have elevated China, Nigeria cultural heritage to a new positive height with the hosting of fashion show in Abuja.

The event held Friday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja focused on using fashion as a bridge for cultural exchange, collaboration and economic opportunities in the creative industry aiming to promote people-to-people contact in the new era.

Speaking as Guest of Honour at the occasion, Director of Culture and Traditional Affairs of Cityboy Movement, Hajiya Binta Mu’azu Mayana who thanked China for the partnership, and respect shown to Nigerian heritage, urged people to look beyond the fabric that come before them, but to see the hands that worked it, the traditions that shaped it, two great cultures meeting, and the friendship stitched into every piece.

Binta said this year carries special meaning as it marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, 55 years of cooperation in trade, infrastructure, education and culture.

While admitting that agreements between governments matter, Binta said the friendship that endures was the one built between people, when they take the time to know one another, to admire what the other has made, and to find themselves reflected in it.

She emphasized that culture was one of Nigeria’s greatest assets, their textiles, colours, craftsmanship and traditions.

Binta described them as treasures that deserved to be seen, celebrated far beyond the shores.

She said fashion carries them better than almost anything else, noting that clothing speaks a language that needs no translation.

Speaking on the evolution of Sygnific Stitches Fabrics, Binta said that Sygnific Stitches had a humble beginning, but its creativity, determination and passion for making exceptional garments brought it this far.

Hajiya Binta went back memory lane to acknowledge those who helped translate the vision of Sygnific Stitches to reality and bring it to prominence.

“Permit me to recognise the people behind this vision. The Co-Founder of Sygnific Stitches, whose creative spirit gave this house its identity, and the Managing Director, whose leadership has carried the brand from that container to this runway. What you have built deserves every bit of the recognition it is receiving today.

“Permit me also to acknowledge Mr. Sanusi Naallah. Behind every dream that comes true, there is often someone who believed in it before the world did. His advice, his encouragement, his time and his resources have helped to bring this vision to life. Sir, we thank you, and we do not take it for granted” she said.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim said that Nigerian fashion sector had a lot to benefit from constructive engagement with China’s creative sector.

Ibrahim represented by Mohammed Tukura said fashion was a vital tool for cultural and people to people exchange, economic growth, and mutual understanding among nations.

In his welcome remarks, Cultural Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director, China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing said the fashion show establishes a platform for dialogue between Chinese and Nigerian clothing cultures, allowing Chinese aesthetics and indigenous African art to interact and blend.

He noted that through every stitch and thread, it carries forward and deepens the profound friendship between the two countries, serving as a vivid illustration of the “bond between peoples” shared by China and Nigeria.

The event was graced by former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief David Edward Onoja, Alh. Sanusi Naallah, COO of Rolling Energy Services Providers, Alh. Uzzy Aman, Alh. Maula Aolam, Auditor-General for Local Government, Kogi State, Dr Yakubu Siyaka Adabenga (Fancy); former member of the House of Representatives and Madaki of Ebira Land, Mohammed Kabiru Ajanah, former Chairman of Kogi/Koton Karfe Local Government, Hon. Barr. Shaba Ibrahim; Member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Otokiti Alhassan Zakariya; President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Babangida Omisimi; and State Project Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Change Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project, Kogi State, Dr Yahaya Abdullahi Abbas.

Others include: government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Chinese business community, young creative minds, designers, models, creative industry stakeholders and members of the media.