A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FASHION DESIGNER’S ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (FADAN)

The Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria is the recognized body for the Fashion Designers profession and was duly incorporated in 1989 by the then Federal Ministry of trade and Corporate Affairs.

This formidable Association of fashion designers now have state chapters all over the country.

The main objective of FADAN, is to promote Nigeria’s culture through fashion and Style to the all world.

We continue to achieve these aims and objective through our various programmes such as exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars, workshop, online marketing, and television marketing within and outside the country.

At the last ECOWAS trade fair in Ghana, FADAN initiated the establishment of the Federation of Designers Association of West African countries were represented at the forum where Nigeria was nominated as the First chairperson of the Designers Association of the sub-region. 

FADAN’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AT A GLANCE

1.       FADAN celebrated its 10^th Anniversary in grand style in 1999 at the Golden Gate Restaurant, which was well attended by its patron’s and well-wishers.

2.       During “Nigeria 99” when Nigeria hosted the world Cup, FADAN successful carried out a Fashion Parade that was highly applauded and commended by the teeming crowd of football fans. It was sponsored by AFRINT.

3.       At the visit of the American President, Mr. Bill Clinton in the year 2000, FADAN was invited and a fashion show was stated for the business Community Dinner for the visiting President.

4.       Also in the year 2000, FADAN did Nigeria proud by showcasing Nigeria’s Fashion and Textiles in the Netherlands to mark the nation’s 40^th Anniversary.

5.       FADAN featured actively at the 2^nd ECOWAS Trade Fair in Ghana held in 1999 and during the fair initiated the establishment of the Fashion Designers Association of West Africa (FADAN). Fourteen (14) West African Countries were represented at the first Chairperson of the Designers Association of the Sub-region.

6.       FADAN was also well represented at the South Africa International trade Fair (SAITX) in 1999.

7.       Early in the year 2001, FADAN staged a show in Abuja for the Child Care trust Fund, at the instance of the First Lady of Nigeria in order to raise funds for the procurement of an Echocardiogram machine for Nigeria.

8.        In August of the year 2001, FADAN participated in the Black Festival of Arts and Culture ( Trade Exhibition0 in far away Chicago, USA.

TRIBUTE TO FADAN’S PATRONS

FADAN in the bid to promote culture and style, has imbibed the culture of working with strategic, culture and most times, fashionable members of the Nigeria society who somehow their actions, jobs, or nature have influenced or can influence the fashion industry of Nigeria.

Presently, FADAN’S Patrons/ trustees include, the Grand Patron, , the First Lady of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola; Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande; Chief Sam Amuka (OON): Chief (Mrs.) Opral Benson (MON); Mr. Murray Been Bruce; Mrs. Daisy danjuma; Chief Alegbo Dokpesi; Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Mr. Jerome ElaIho; Princess Abbah Folawiyo, Mr. John Momoh; Mrs. Stella okoli (MON); Chief Segun Olusola; Senator (Chief) Florence Ita-Giwa; Chief Molade okaya Thomas 9OFR); Mrs Bola Shagaya; Mrs. Shade Thomas-Fahn; chief Sony I. Odogwu (Ide Ahaba) OFR); Chief (Mrs.) kema Chikwe; Mrs. Folorunso Alakija; Federal Minister of Women Affairs.

We seize this opportunity once again, to pay Special Tribute to our various patrons for their invaluable support for the Association. They have all been a source of inspiration and a pillar of support and the association will continue to strive hard to achieve goals they will be proud of. We also realize that all our past achievements could not have been possible without their immeasurable support.

We must pay particular tribute to Chief wahab iyanda Folawiyo, (CON), the Baba Adinni of Nigeria, who have been a ‘Great Father to FADAN. He has always been very supportive of the association and have funded many of FADAN’S projects.

We seize this opportunity to thank Mr. Murray Ben Bruce for all he has done for FADAN. That FADAN is a household name today is due to his advice and valuable support.

Other patrons who have always given financial support to FADAN ventures include, Princess Abbah folawiyo; Mrs. Folorunso alakija; Mrs. Shade Thomas-Fahn; Mrs Bola Shagaya; Mr. Jerome Elaiho; Chief Molade okoya-Thomas, chief (Mrs.) Oprah Benson; Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola; Mr. Sam Amuka; Mrs. Stella Okoli and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

I seize this moment to commend our late patron, Dr. Simi Johnson who was indispensable to us culturally in all our effort to project the Nigerian fashion and style. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

We pray God almighty in His mercy will reward you all as you give yourself and resources in helping us achieve our goals/objectives in the promotion of our dear country’s fashion and style.