Too many a times Nigerians are torn between contending which tribe is better, more skilled, educated, important or indispensable to the economy. So much focus has been placed on the differences amongst the many ethnicities in our country and the beauty in our diverse nature is all a blur. What if we weren’t Hausas, Yorubas, Igbos, Edos or Urobos and all we were was ‘Nigerian’?
This was the concept behind the second edition of “Colour Me Nigeria”; The Nigerian Students Society at the University of Leeds hosted Colour Me Nigerian II, an fashion event which was launched last year by its former Events and Logistics Manager, Ubokhobong Mmah. It held at The Function, Leeds University Union on the 12th of November.
The event begun by 6pm with red Carpet as invited guests like the Committee members of the Nigerian Community Leeds (NCL) were invited to have their pictures taken with a beautiful Ankara material as back drop. Props like “Igbo”, “Hausa”, “Yoruba”, “proudly Nigerian” and many more were available as friends, members, volunteers and guests posed.
The event kicked off with a soulful rendition of the national anthem by the MC, Arinze Ngonadi. Thereafter the President of the Society, Maryam Dan-Habu, welcomed everyone to the program and thanked the NCL members for gracing the event, the designers of contemporary African Wears that were going to be showcased and everyone that had taken time out to celebrate alongside with the Society Nigeria’s culture. She admonished her very hard working and supportive committee members and concluded by promising a fun filled and educative evening for everyone!
True to her word, the guests witnessed a first catwalk by beautiful models showcasing very classy Ankara Fashion, by Ebun Pension-Smith (a second year Business Student) . Thereafter the modern type of Geles and headgears by Preye Ombu of My African Hairitage Style (MAHS), Ankara Ruffles by Abigial Egwunyeng (A final year Art and Design Major).
The highlight of the day which was also the most anticipated catwalk was the showcase of the traditional Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa Fulani, Edo, Tiv, Idoma, Itsekiri tribes. Models in singles and pairs cat-walked in so much African pride and splendid down the red carpet as hey were continuously cheered by the audience and accompanied with great music by DJ Tuwack.
These fashion show was spiced up with Music performances by Nick Bailey and Tracey; friends of the Society. Whilst thought provoking spoken word and poetic renditions were given by Rosemary Osuya, Adetunyori Okupe and Arinze Ngonadi as they spoke around appreciating and understanding the beauty in nigeria, loving Nigeria as a youth in diaspora and most especially, . To add more flavour to the beautiful event was a poem by Oghenetega Ugboduma following a dance drama to ‘Love don’t care’ by Simi, was presented by Maryam Dan-Habu, Glory Ayara and Victor Enedo.
A handover of Electoral Commissioners of he Society as carried out by Mr Jonah, a member of the NCL. On behalf of the Society he recognised and thanked Oluwafemi Omoniyi, who had been the electoral Chairman for 4 years; for his endless work, his transparency and dedication towards the success of society’s previous elections. The mandate was thereafter handed over to Miss Oluwasegun Kayode to continue the good work, even as the Oath Of Affirmations were taken.
The Chair of NCL and he special guest of the program, Mrs Victoria Ajayi, gave a speech with which she introduced the NCL as a community, expressed her continuous support for the NSS society whilst looking forward to more collaborations with the students through the Society.
Marvina, the Founder of Angel of Youths Charity; an organisation devoted to encouraging youths and young people in the society, chaired the best dressed competitions as in the end, the female winner was given Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Highlighter while the guy was presented with an Arsenal football Ticket.
To close, the president expressed her endless gratitude to everyone that had taking time to honour the Society with their presence, Sponsors from NCL, the designers, models, volunteers, committee members, performers, photographer, Dj, and Oghenetega Ugboduma, an invaluable friend of the Society. She wished everyone a great night and a safe drive home.
In all, Colour me Nigeria was an evening showcase of rich African modern and traditional wears, soulful music, humour filled Dance and Drama and great Nigerian culinary; small chops for starters, Jollof rice, Chicken, beef, gizdodo and Chapman to wash it down 😉
If you weren’t there, you definitely missed
Article written by: Oluwabunmi Adaramola & Maryam Dan-Habu
