Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated that globally, the textile and apparel industry is valued at $1.7 trillion and employs over 300 million people, however, Nigeria is yet to fully tap into it.
Mr. Obi, stated this after his visit on Monday to the Maison de Helen (MDH) factory, a proudly Nigerian luxury fashion brand that has existed since 1990 under the visionary designer, Helen Unuane, who learnt this talent from her mother and has now passed this visionary talent to her daughter, Elsie Unuane.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the Nigerian businessman cum politician said MDH is more than a textile house, it is a living proof of how Nigerian creativity, heritage, and enterprise could resonate on the global stage.
He stated that the use of remarkable fabrics and textiles, especially from the Akwete people of Nigeria, to produce elegant and world-class sought-after fashion pieces sustains the impact of nation’s culture on the global stage.
Obi informed that MDH provides direct and indirect employment to over 50 young Nigerians and could do more with more investment and support.
“In countries like Bangladesh, textiles account for over 70% of exports, which is about $50 billion; this alone is more than what Nigeria earns from oil. These are clear examples of how textiles can drive growth, create jobs, and power exports in an economy,” he said.
In contrast, Obi said the Nigeria’s textile industry has collapsed to a regrettable level, where it contributes little to nothing to the economy, showing an untapped potential in the economy.
He said looking at the factory today and watching the dedication of the workers, especially in little details, continues to show what is possible, if we are committed to moving the country from consumption to production by supporting SMEs.
“We must replicate this success story across thousands of SMEs in Nigeria. Investing in SMEs will serve as an engine to lift millions out of poverty, and position Nigeria as a hub of creativity and trade in the global economy,” he said.
