On a vibrant morning in Enugu, the city buzzed with an air of possibility as fashion entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials gathered for what would become a landmark event—the Enugu Fashion Roundtable. Hosted in collaboration between the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Digital & Creative Economy, Mr. Fegho John Umunubo, and the Enugu State Government, through the Enugu SME Agency led by Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, the event was a bold statement of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah’s vision: to position Enugu as a hub for creative innovation and enterprise.

As participants took their seats, the energy in the room was palpable. Entrepreneurs eager to scale their businesses, policymakers looking to drive impact, and thought leaders ready to share insights all converged in a shared mission—to unlock the full potential of Enugu’s fashion economy.

“The creative economy is a goldmine waiting to be fully harnessed,” Mr. Fegho John Umunubo stated passionately. “Fashion is not just about design; it’s an economic powerhouse that, with the right support, can drive employment, wealth creation, and global recognition for Nigerian talent.”

Discussions centered around critical themes: access to funding, value chain integration, and positioning Enugu fashion brands on the global stage. Among the voices leading the conversation were Mrs. Olusola Babatunde (Founder, OSC School of Fashion), Ms. Ngozi Valerie Okochi (Co-Founder, Lady Beellionaire), and Mr. Oluwaseun Adedayo (Programme Associate, The Assembly), each offering practical strategies for scaling sustainable fashion businesses while preserving cultural heritage.

“We have the creativity, we have the passion, but what we need is structured support—access to finance, the right networks, and business development services,” Ms. Ngozi Valerie Okochi remarked, drawing nods of agreement from the audience.

Then came the announcement that would set the tone for the future: a structured training at the revently commissioned Enugu Fashion & Garment Hub program for 5,000 fashion entrepreneurs, designed to equip them with globally competitive skills and position Enugu as a center for excellence in fashion enterprise.

“This is not just about training; this is about building a fashion ecosystem that thrives beyond our borders,” Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah declared. “Enugu is ready to take its place as a creative and business powerhouse, and we are committed to making it happen.”

As the roundtable concluded, there was a renewed sense of purpose. Entrepreneurs left with more than just insights; they left with a belief that they were part of something bigger—a movement that would redefine fashion entrepreneurship in Enugu and beyond.