The Abia State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Chief Sir. Matthew Ekwuribe, says the 2026 Aba Fashion Week is designed to provide fashion designers in Aba with a platform to showcase their creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship to a global audience.
Chief Ekwuribe stated this during a press briefing organized in collaboration with the committee on the 2026 Aba Fashion Week in Umuahia. He said the event aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of creating an enabling environment for creative talents to thrive while showcasing Aba’s capacity in fashion, garment production, footwear and other creative industries.
He disclosed that efforts are underway to secure recognition for Aba under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network.
As part of the process, he said a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is expected to visit selected facilities in Aba to assess the city’s creative potential.
According to the Commissioner, securing recognition under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network will connect Aba with other creative cities around the world, attract greater international attention and create new opportunities for local businesses and creative talents.
He expressed confidence in Aba’s potential to earn the recognition, citing the city’s established strength in fashion, clothing, footwear and garment manufacturing.
Chief Ekwuribe added that the state government is working to increase the visibility of Abia’s creative industry through participation in fashion and cultural programmes outside the state, including an upcoming event in Lagos and Paris.
He noted that the initiatives were aimed at building on existing efforts to promote locally made products while supporting designers and manufacturers.
The Commissioner described Aba Fashion Week as more than a fashion show, saying it would provide a platform to showcase the city’s creative capacity, promote local brands and attract international interest.
Also speaking, the founder of Aba Fashion Week, Mr Ugomdi Ogbonna, said the event will hold from 24th to 27th October 2026 and feature a mini trade fair on 24th October, a street fashion event on 25th October, a masterclass on 26th October and a grand finale runway show.
He said the activities were designed to promote Aba’s fashion industry, strengthen its global visibility and provide opportunities for designers to showcase their creations, acquire entrepreneurial skills and connect with wider markets.
Mr Ogbonna stressed the need for fashion designers to develop entrepreneurial skills and gain knowledge of merchandising, digital marketing and international best practices to compete effectively in the global fashion market.
He explained that Aba Fashion Week would enable local designers to showcase their work, gain exposure and understand the standards required to succeed internationally.
He added that the grand finale runway show would take place on 27th October at GIA, The Bird Center, along Factory Road, Aba.
According to him, the platform is open to interested fashion designers who meet the basic participation requirements, with efforts being made to accommodate as many applicants as possible.
Mr Ogbonna further disclosed that the masterclass would be free and designed to accommodate more than 5,000 participants, while the street fashion event would provide another opportunity for designers and members of the public to participate in the programme.
