THE ABUJA ANKARA FESTIVAL

The Ankara Festival is a celebration of the local fabric which is very much a part of our everyday life. It is an important aspect of the Nigerian culture and showcases the Ankara fabric which has become more than just an item of clothing and is, in fact, a form of national identification. Ankara works have evolved from the well known wrapper and dresses and is now being used in the making of handbags, footwear, jewelry, head-gears and interior designs in the form of furniture, carpets, curtains and framed artworks.

The Ankara festival is more of a trade fair than a fashion show. It comprises of showcased items, crafted into numerous shapes and patterns, displayed by different designers and artists on different days through the course of the festival. Astonishing works such as creatively printed Ankara designs on silk and chiffon by a mix and match of different artists as well as exquisite bead making have taken the artistry required to produce such astounding works to a whole new level of finesse.

The use of Ankara designs and materials cut across the different tribes in Nigeria. Infact, it is so unique to the Nigerian culture that almost every tribe and culture in Nigeria has its own special design that is unique to that locale and its inhabitants. It is used by people of all gender and ages and has evolved into numerous clothing styles that are fashionable, trendy and modern. These include; jackets, high fashion shoes, bags of various shapes and sizes and accessories for those who want a more modern look. Part of the reason the Ankara festival was designed was to encourage designers and individuals who have decided to not stay at home waiting for appointment letters and who have a serious interest in the art of Ankara making and designing. In other words, it encourages the youths to become productive and gives them the chance to become self-employed and self-reliant entrepreneurs which in turn helps in curbing the issue of unemployment.

Finally, the aim of the Ankara festival is to show the general public that high quality items can be produced in Nigeria by Nigerians. This keeps money within our economy and saves us the time, expense and distrust for our locally made products that come with buying imported goods. One designer is capable of employing not less than five workers; this contributes in reducing the growing rate of unemployment in the country and helps in building a confidence level and feeling of independence that only comes through hard work and self-achievement.

By Chioma Eke