By Omar Bah
The First Lady of the Republic of Gambia, Her Excellency Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, made a significant visit to April by Kunbi, a prominent fashion and design flagship store in Lagos, shortly after Christmas.
During her visit, H.E. Bah-Barrow commended the innovative work of the brand’s New York-trained Creative Director, Mrs. Olakunbi Uzochukwu. She highlighted the impact of Uzochukwu’s efforts to promote African culture and generate job opportunities for the country’s youth.
April by Kunbi, which celebrated its revitalization on December 8, 2024, encompasses three distinct brands: Stan & Beth, offering stylish children’s fashion inspired by loyal customers seeking elegance for their little ones; Kunbi Lagos, a slow fashion ready-to-wear collection known for its timeless designs; and Odiuko, a luxury fabric store specializing in unique fabrics for discerning clients.
Mrs. Olakunbi Uzochukwu, a proud Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) graduate in New York, has earned global recognition for her creativity and artistry. Her designs are in high demand among brides and fashion enthusiasts from Lagos to international markets.
The launch event for the revamped store attracted notable Nigerian political and business figures, including Chief Allen Onyema, owner of Air Peace airline; former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and his wife; Senators Ben Murray-Bruce, Daisy Danjuma, and Iyabo Obasanjo; former Minister of Industry Chief Nike Akande; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a renowned clergy member; Dr. Uzochukwu Akunedoze, Managing Director of Blake Resorts; and Mr. Frank Edoho, among other distinguished guests, all of whom praised the brand’s creativity in their speeches.
In her interactions with journalists during the visit, H.E. Bah-Barrow expressed her appreciation for the quality and inspiration she encountered throughout her tour of the facility, stating, “I noticed a remarkable alignment with my style. I favor modest dressing as an African and firmly believe we should cultivate our tastes before embracing influences from other cultures.
Preserving our cultural identity is essential; we lose our essence without culture.” She further emphasized the positive impact April by Kunbi has on job creation, noting, “I observed that many of the workers in both the shop and factory are young individuals. This illustrates that investment in our countries fosters job opportunities, a model that can be mirrored across other African nations.”
The First Lady encouraged a sense of pride in local production: “We need to support what we produce and take pride in our continent. Africa has abundant potential, and our responsibility, particularly for the younger generation, is to contribute to its development. Everyone should embrace their identity and champion those who represent our continent.”
H.E. Bah-Barrow invited all to experience April by Kunbi’s fashion collections firsthand. “Experiencing it in person is truly enlightening. When I arrived, I found exactly what was showcased in the video sent to me in Gambia, and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, we can have this in Africa?’ I’d love to invite you to visit The Gambia; you are most welcome in 2025.”
