The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, has officially declared open the third edition of the National Sewing Championship (NSC25) for Students and youth aged 12 to 22 years.
The flag-off ceremony took place at Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, with participants and stakeholders from across the country in attendance.
In her address, Professor Ahmad celebrated the immense potential, creativity, and skills of young Nigerians. She emphasized that the event is not just a competition but a platform to showcase the nation’s rich talent, offering opportunities for youth to build careers in fashion, tailoring, and the broader textile industry.
She said: “This championship embodies the Nigerian spirit of ingenuity and craftsmanship. You are not just participants but pioneers in a field that shapes our culture, drives our economy, and empowers individuals across communities.”
She further highlighted that the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, her Special Assistant on Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Adamu, emphasised the transformative power of fashion and design in uplifting local designers, fostering creativity, and contributing to economic growth.
The textile industry plays a vital role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, from intricate beadwork and embroidery to vibrant fabric designs.
The championship serves as an opportunity to reward and nurture the next generation of seamstresses, tailors, and fashion designers, encouraging innovation and global competitiveness.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director of the Ladi Memorial Foundation and National Coordinator of 2025 National Sewing Competition (NSC25) Hon. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya, emphasised that the NSC25 project serves as a credible platform for benchmarking competencies while motivating both students and school managers to strive for excellence.
She highlighted that the initiative also plays a key role in identifying and nurturing talents.
The event concluded with a call for collaboration and support to ensure lasting positive change in communities, as fashion and textiles offer limitless opportunities for creativity and economic impact.
