Twenty Nigerian fashion designers have been selected for the International Visitors Leadership Program, an exchange project hosted by the U.S. Department of State.  

In a press statement released by the U.S. Consulate,  Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli noted that empowering Nigeria’s tailors would encourage the country’s economic growth and place in the fashion industry. Mr Ibelli also notes that the project will help local fashion designers get ready for the global scene. 

“With growing artistic, sports, film, and music ties between Nigeria and the United States, the goal of this IVLP project is to further deepen Nigerian and American ties by adding fashion as another area of growing connectivity between our two countries,” Mr Ibelli said. 

“We are excited to provide fashion designers from Nigeria with this unique opportunity to connect with their U.S. counterparts. This is part of our strategic outreach to Nigeria’s creative industry, by strengthening economic ties through culture and fashion.” 

The project is titled, “Promoting Economic Growth and Trade in the Fashion Industry,” will offer the participants professional and cultural exchange opportunities in the U.S. fashion scene and educate them on the importance of marketing African designs in the United States.  

The virtual exchange program which began on August 9 is billed to end on August 28. The three-week program will allow the selected tailors to speak with a range of U.S. fashion designers, manufacturers and consumers.  Its aim is to provide firsthand knowledge about American society, culture, and politics, while encouraging professional relationships between both countries.