Omoyemi Akerele says new blueprint urges African ownership as sector exports ₦22.1trn textiles but imports finished goods

Lagos Fashion Week unveiled ‘The Blueprint for a Regenerative Fashion Future’ in London on Thursday, presenting Africa’s first comprehensive manifesto aimed at transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and local ownership. The landmark document was launched during London Climate Action Week by the African Fashion Coalition, with support from Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize.

The event brought together leading African designers, sustainability advocates, educators and entrepreneurs to develop a framework centred on circularity, inclusion and climate resilience. According to organisers, the manifesto builds on centuries of African knowledge in craftsmanship and community innovation, advocating for a shift towards regenerative production systems that benefit both people and the environment.

Speaking at the launch, Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week—and a recipient of the 2025 Earthshot Prize—emphasised Africa’s historical contribution to global fashion. She noted that while the continent exports about US$15 billion (₦22.1trn) in raw textiles annually, it still imports more than US$23 billion (₦33.9trn) worth of finished clothing and footwear. Akerele described this gap as an issue of ownership rather than talent: “The resources are ours. The value is theirs. We are celebrated as a source of inspiration but shut out of the industry we inspire,” she said at the event.

The Manifesto emerged from extensive workshops and stakeholder consultations led by Lagos Fashion Week and The Earthshot Prize. Contributors included key figures such as Simone Smit, Director of Africa at The Earthshot Prize; Jackie May, Founder of Twyg; Adama Paris, Founder of Dakar Fashion Week; Mahlet Teklemariam, Hub of Africa Fashion Week; Liz Ricketts, The OR Foundation; Renee Neblett, Kokrobitey Institute; and Sunny Dolat from The Nest Collective.

Simone Smit stated that Africa is now leading in environmental innovation within fashion: “Earthshot solutions are right at the heart of it. The most impactful responses combine innovation with local knowledge,” she said.

The document outlines ten pillars—including cultural heritage preservation, intellectual property protection, waste justice, infrastructure development and conscious consumption—to guide investments and policy towards a more resilient sector across Africa. The coalition is inviting individuals and organisations to endorse the blueprint by signing up on www.lagosfashionweek.com.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-fashion-week-presents-africas-first-manifesto-for-a-regenerative-fashion-industry-2026062713214810483

Electoral commission urges residents to disregard viral social media claims, assures continuous voter registration ongoing

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked widespread reports circulating on social media that it has suspended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Delta State. The commission clarified its position on Saturday, assuring residents across the state that registration activities are proceeding as scheduled.

According to INEC, the rumour of a suspension began spreading on various online platforms earlier in the week, causing confusion among prospective registrants and stakeholders in Delta. The commission stated there has been no official directive to halt the CVR exercise and described the viral messages as misleading.

The continuous voter registration is a critical process ahead of upcoming elections, allowing new voters to register and those with issues on the voter roll to update their details. With heightened political activities in Delta State and across the South-South geopolitical zone, INEC’s clarification aims to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

INEC urged members of the public to rely only on official information released by its offices or verified channels. The commission also advised residents not to fall for misinformation that could disenfranchise eligible voters. “We want to assure Deltans that our offices remain open for CVR as at today,” an INEC spokesperson said.

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections. It encouraged eligible persons who are yet to register or update their details to visit designated centres before the exercise concludes.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/891110-inec-debunks-viral-claim-on-cvr-suspension-in-delta.html

Management introduces new rule following recent student death, citing safety concerns for campus community in Bayelsa

Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, has announced an immediate ban on night driving by undergraduate students after a recent fatal incident involving a student on campus. The decision was made public by the university management on Saturday, 27 June 2026, as part of measures to enhance student safety within the university environment.

According to the management, the prohibition comes in response to a tragic event where an undergraduate lost their life while driving at night within the university vicinity. The administration stated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death prompted urgent action to prevent further loss of life and safeguard members of the university community.

The new directive restricts all undergraduates from operating vehicles on campus after sunset. University officials stressed that this measure was necessary due to increasing concerns over road safety and security at night, especially considering previous incidents that have raised alarm among students and parents. “We cannot fold our arms and allow avoidable tragedies to continue,” a senior member of management said while outlining the policy change.

The statement from NDU’s management emphasised that postgraduate students and staff with proper identification would be allowed to drive after hours under strict compliance with existing traffic regulations. The administration further urged students to obey the new rule and assured parents of its commitment to protecting lives on campus. No official reaction from students’ unions or associations had been received as at press time.

The ban will be enforced by campus security personnel in collaboration with local authorities. University management indicated that periodic reviews of the policy will be conducted based on its effectiveness and feedback from stakeholders.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/891106-university-bans-undergraduate-night-driving-after-students-death.html