As part of efforts to promote local culture and fabric, Shakarasquare held its 2026 Ankara Kids Fashion Show in Lagos, where children within age bracket of five and twelve showcased their modelling talents on a runway, in beautifully-styled ankara clothes made by seven different fashion designers.

The event, third in the series, was done to showcase the beauty of the ankara fabric on children, thereby promoting cultural wears among Nigerians and upholding indigenous culture above foreign ones.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the event, the convener of the show, Ijeoma Ude, said the need for local wears to take centre stage in everyday activities in Nigeria, the desire to promote different indigenous culture in Nigeria, and the intention to promote creativity and confidence among the children, prompted her to organise the show.

 

She said the fashion event is also an opportunity for them to showcase confidence, creativity, and being proud of themselves as Africans and Nigerians.

“Ankara is part of our culture. Contrary to the clothes of the western world, we also have our own fabrics and designs. The kids are promoting our ankara. With this, we are sure that their love for native wears will increase, thereby promoting love for their culture,” she said.

Ude also urged government at all levels, corporate bodies, institutions, and private individuals to support the initiative and enable it achieve what she described as “a massive campaign for the enthronement of true African culture over imported ones.”

In her speech, the Chief Tourism Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Funke Olumakinde, said the government sees the platform as a viable one to promote the cultural heritage and values of the various ethnic groups in the Nigeria.

“I want to assure you that the Lagos State government is interested in promoting our culture and I am impressed that you are strengthening the vision of promoting our fabric through children,” she said.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Akeem Shittu, praised the conveners of the show for their ingenuity to create a platform where children can showcase their talents, engage in team work, develop self-confidence, and have a great love and understanding of the Nigerian culture.

Shittu noted that learning can also be enabled through social activities that help in mental and physical development of an individual.

“Arts and culture develops a child, builds confidence in them to face the world without fear, promotes cultural identity among them, enables unity and teamwork, and makes learning fun. We believe that this show teaches the children to appreciate our wears and provides them with life skills to be confident and navigate their world,’ he said.

He commended the organisers for their dedication to ensure involvement of children in cultural promotion.