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Since 2018, milliners in Nigeria have been coming together to collaborate and project the industry through an exhibition. The event has given its members the opportunity to bring and showcase their innovative and creative ideas.
This year, the exhibition will be coming up on 9th October 2021 at Nelo’s place event center, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.
In an interview with Fashions Finest Africa, the Founder of the association, Folake Oladipupo Okunaiya highlighted that it’s going to be the biggest strictly Millinery Exhibition as they expect Milliners from across the Nation at this year’s event. “We also hope to have the representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Ministry of Youths and Development, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bank of Industry, and lots more,” She said.
The first and only registered Association for Milliners in Nigeria. It is focused on bringing Milliners across the Nation together to foster unity, growth, and exposure in the Millinery Industry. The vision of the association is to place Nigeria Millinery on the world map and bring it to global recognition. The Milliners Association of Nigeria started as a Network (Milliners Network Nigeria) in 2018. It was officially registered as an associate in June 2019.
Okunaiya mentioned “Lack of Support” at the top of the list. Financial support too but she believes that if they have other kinds of support, the finances they need will eventually come. “We need the support of our fellow women to buy Nigeria- made Millinery pieces. Media support to create awareness of what Nigerian Milliners are doing. Support from our bank to give loans that will not have a back-breaking interest. For the government to help in creating laws, policies that will help small and local businesses like Millinery to grow. We need grants to support Milliners to expand their business. This and many more are the challenges we face”. She said.
The association soothes the pain because even though they are still very young, they have started working toward making their challenges a stepping stone. They are coming together and creating awareness through media partners such as Fashions Finest Africa. “They are helping us to create awareness, They invite a business expert in different fields to educate our members. Okunaiya concluded.
Additionally “Our yearly Exhibition also helps us bring the right set of ministries to come to our event to support the industry. This and many more are things we have been working on as an Association”.
Follow the Milliners Association of Nigeria on Instagram.
