By Patricia Amogu

An Abuja-based fashion icon, Celestina Ibeh, on Thursday said with government investment Nigeria can compete globally with other industry operators and even take over the global fashion space.

Ibeh, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Queen Tee Fashion and Beauty Empire, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

“Nigeria stands out in Africa, having the biggest economy and some of the most robust fashion hubs, fashion designers, and fashion shows widely accepted around the world.

“We have a lot of influencers on social media spaces, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube just promoting the Nigerian fashion space and making it more visible across the globe.

“We have all it takes to be ranked among the best in the world.

“One thing that stands out for us as a people is our unique and diverse culture. We also have unique styles and dress sense.

“I see Nigeria in the next couple of years making a huge global impact economically through the exploration of our fashion industry if the government invests in the fashion space especially locally.

“That way, we can achieve giant leaps economically,” she said.

Ibeh who is also an influencer and promoter, said the Federal Capital Territory had the potential to become a fashion empire given the presence of entertainment shows and celebrities in the area.

“It is a good thing for me as it is for our fashion industry establishing a fashion empire as a brand in the Capital City where we have a lot of entertainment stuff going on, celebrities who come for make-overs, fashion show organisers, and comedians.

“We also have fashion enthusiasts and a lot of influencer brands connecting to promote and uplift the entertainment industry.

“It is a one-stop-shop, so to speak, for hair-do, make-up, clothing, massage, spa, barbing, studio shoots, catering, and eateries, as well as lounges and bars, among others,” she added.

Queen Tee Fashion and Beauty Empire was established nearly a year ago to provide services such as high-quality fabrics, tailoring designs, and allied services to the Nigerian public.

She decried the increasing hike in the exchange rate of the dollar against the naira.

She, therefore, urged the Federal Government to make the local business environment conducive for operators in the fashion industry so that job opportunities will be created for the young people.

“The swaying dollar rates are not helping us. The increase is overwhelming for us. We are hopeful that the government can make the business environment conducive for us here because we are also creating employment for the youth.

“The scholarships we used to give have become difficult to provide these days and young people are finding it difficult to cope even with their businesses,” Ibeh said.