The First Lady of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Marrow, recently visited the Lagos-based fashion house April by Kunbi, celebrating the creativity and innovation of its founder, Mrs. Olakunbi Uzochukwu. The visit, which coincided with the Christmas season, highlighted African culture and entrepreneurship.
Bah-Marrow lauded Uzochukwu, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, for her dedication to promoting African aesthetics and creating job opportunities for young people. The brand, which relaunched on December 8, 2024, houses three distinct lines:
Stan & Beth: Fashion designs for children.
Kunbi Lagos: Timeless, slow fashion ready-to-wear pieces.
Odiuko: Luxury fabrics for discerning clients.
During her visit, the First Lady praised the quality and cultural relevance of the designs, expressing admiration for the youthful workforce employed by the brand. “This is evidence that Africa can build itself,” she remarked, urging Africans to prioritize homegrown products and preserve their cultural identity. She also extended an invitation to the brand to showcase its work in The Gambia in 2025.
The relaunch event drew notable Nigerian leaders from politics and business, who commended the brand’s impact and vision. Among those in attendance were prominent figures in government, aviation, and clergy, all of whom celebrated the creative and cultural strides represented by April by Kunbi.
In her remarks, Bah-Marrow emphasized the importance of self-reliance and pride in African heritage, adding, “Let us maintain our culture and support our own. Africa is blessed, and it is our responsibility to build it together.”
