Creative Industry
‘NEW GATE’ Art Exhibition Opens in Abuja, Celebrating Pakistan-Nigeria Cultural Bond
Joel Ajayi
The ‘NEW GATE’ Art Exhibition, a vibrant showcase of cultural harmony and creative brilliance, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by His Excellency Major General (Retd) Sohail Ahmad Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria.
The ceremony took place at the High Commission of Pakistan in Abuja and marked a significant milestone in the growing cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Nigeria.
In his keynote remarks, the High Commissioner emphasized the unifying power of art as a bridge for cross-cultural understanding, peacebuilding, and the promotion of Pakistan’s rich artistic legacy.
He described the exhibition as “a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values between the peoples of Pakistan and Nigeria.”
The exhibition, organized in celebration with Anila’s Art Addiction Gallery, prominently featured the works of celebrated curator and artist Anila Adnan, who received a commemorative shield in recognition of her leadership and artistic contribution.
Her thoughtful curation, which creatively intertwined Pakistani and Nigerian artistic elements, presented a powerful narrative of unity in diversity.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Mama Nike, Nigeria’s renowned artist and cultural icon, served as the chief guest. In her remarks, she praised the exhibition for its spirit of cultural fusion and artistic excellence.
A major highlight of the evening was the electrifying performance by the Wazobia Dancers, whose colorful and energetic display of traditional Nigerian dance thrilled the audience and brought the event to life. The rhythmic beats and cultural expression captured the essence of the evening’s theme — unity through the arts.
The event attracted a diverse gathering, including members of the diplomatic corps, art lovers, dignitaries, and representatives from both the Pakistani and Nigerian communities.
Attendees were treated to an immersive cultural experience that underscored the potential of art to inspire dialogue and strengthen international ties.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until July 2, 2025, at the Pakistan High Commission, Abuja.
Creative Industry
CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026
Joel Ajayi
The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.
Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.
CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.
Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”
On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.
Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.
CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.
The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.
CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.
CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.
“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.
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