Mrs. Folake Okunaiya, the Founder and President of the Milliners Association of Nigeria, encourages women from diverse backgrounds to strive for self-sufficiency and empowerment.
This, she believes, will not only fortify households but also contribute to the broader global economy.
In her words, “Millinery will bring the world to Ghana and Africa at large”
She said this at the third edition of the Ghana Hat Fair at the Holiday Inn, Accra, Ghana on November 11.
According to her, navigating the challenges of being a woman is no easy feat, given the myriad responsibilities, expectations, and limitations imposed by today’s world. There is a need for women to step up and engage in things that will add value to themselves and the world at large.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of the Ghana Hat Fair in Ghana this year, she noted that the collaboration was in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the Milliners Association of Nigeria and Milliners Network Ghana, and to also foster a broader community of Milliners across the continent.
“Millinery in Nigeria and across Africa though not widely recognized as a major part of the fashion industry but the Milliners Associate of Nigeria and Milliners Network Ghana are both collaborating to give the industry exposure and promote millinery and Milliners in their respective country and this is also further established with the birth of the African Milliners summit with over 16 countries in attendance including African Milliners from UK and USA in attend for the virtual summit,” she added.
The founder of the Milliners Network Ghana, Mrs Twumwa Manteaw noted that much recognition hasn’t been given to hat makers, as some people do not even know the meaning of Millinery, thus the need for the hat fair, to create more visibility for milliners across board.
Delegates hailing from various regions in Nigeria and Botswana, Sharon Ogechi Macauley of Havilah Ventures in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Ayodele Ewemooje of Tabitha Collections in Gaborone, Botswana, Isioma Christabel Nwobilor of Elzibah Signatures in Asaba Delta, Ngozi Jenniffer Enekweizu of JennyNG Craft and Design in Lagos, Odusile Oluwaseun Iyanunioluwa of Wonderz Craft in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Esther Richard of UNE STY Fashion World in Akwa Ibom Uyo, and Folake Okunaiya, the founder and president of MIAN & CEO Belle Signature in Lagos, attended the Ghana Hat Fair 2023.
Also in attendance was the Head of Strategy and Compliance, Bank of Ghana, Mad. Jackie Yabuah, pioneer milliner in Ghana Mrs Pearl Boateng CEO of Traditions amongst many other dignitaries.
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