Nigeria is still a land of multiple business opportunities,” says Charles Oronsaye

Mary Nnah

The founder of Africana Couture, Charles Oronsaye recently shared his insights on the vast business opportunities present in Nigeria particularly when compared to other nations.

Oronsaye pointed out that the country offers a relatively straightforward environment for conducting business, highlighting the reduced bureaucratic hurdles and simpler paperwork processes that make it easier for entrepreneurs and companies to operate.

The Africana boss, made these known at a press conference in Wuse, Abuja, yesterday, where he unveiled plans for the upcoming fashion show titled “Royal Oath,” which promises to be a captivating reenactment of an 18th-century royal wedding from the Benin Kingdom. This historical celebration features the marriage of Oba Ewuare to two sisters, and as part of the festivities, the event will showcase other Obas from various kingdoms in Benin paying homage to the king.

Charles emphasized that the Royal Oath fashion show is set to be a vibrant celebration and preservation of the rich and intricate beauty of the ancient Benin culture.

He pointed out that, unlike many contemporary fashion trends that often cater to Western ideals, the Royal Oath aims to inspire a deeper awareness and appreciation of historical and cultural narratives in individuals’ minds.

On the economic front, Charles articulated the potential impact of this initiative, highlighting that a wide range of professionals—including stylists, photographers, costumiers, and various artists—would be engaged in this project, thereby providing significant employment opportunities. This involvement would not only foster creativity but also contribute to a boost in the local economy, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of cultural events.

He elaborated on an exciting new initiative called the Tag Factory, which is designed to train and employ aspiring tailors. This project aims to provide young talents with the skills they need to flourish in the fashion industry, ultimately empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the arts and culture.

In an inspired message, he stated, “This new fashion show is intricately weaving together elements of the future and the past. We intend to reenact a significant moment in history and breathe life into it for contemporary audiences. By doing so, we are creating a platform for the rich legacies of the Benin, Yoruba, and Hausa cultures, allowing them to be understood and appreciated through the lens of fashion. Our organization, Africa as a Business, employs a dedicated team of 75 individuals across Nigeria and three other countries—Mali, Senegal, and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. We are proud to have launched the TAG Factory, where we are committed to nurturing emerging talents and showcasing their unique creations to the world. Nigeria offers a fertile ground for business opportunities; it’s a place where innovation can take root overnight, allowing entrepreneurs to realize their visions without being stifled by burdensome regulations, which can often be the case in countries like the United Kingdom, where the bureaucratic processes can be overwhelmingly complicated.”

Ifidon Oisamoje, the creative director behind the initiative, added that the fashion show transcends the typical concept of an event, serving instead as a powerful expression of Nigerian artistry, culture, and craftsmanship. He pointed out that it marks a pioneering effort as this is the first time a fashion show will explore and reenact a historically significant wedding from the Benin culture, thereby preserving its essence for future generations.

He passionately noted, “This is more than just a fashion event; it is a profound expression of our artistic heritage, our culture, and our exceptional craftsmanship. We are reimagining one of the most important weddings in the history of the Benin culture and transforming it into a captivating fashion show. This endeavour is a testament to our boundless creativity and the limitless potential for expression within our culture.”