Alia backs Benue men fashion week with N20m

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has thrown his weight behind the 5th edition of Men Fashion Week Benue (MFWB) with a N20 million donation to encourage creativity in the state. Our correspondent reports that top designers from Benue state and beyond, used the opportunity to showcase dazzling collections to a packed audience at the […]

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has thrown his weight behind the 5th edition of Men Fashion Week Benue (MFWB) with a N20 million donation to encourage creativity in the state.

Our correspondent reports that top designers from Benue state and beyond, used the opportunity to showcase dazzling collections to a packed audience at the Dream Event Center in Makurdi.

Alia who attended the event and surprised guests by walking the runway himself to demonstrate support for the state’s creative sector announced a N20 million support package for MFWB, as he applauded the organisers for providing young creatives with a platform to shine.

 

 

 

The governor said the quality and ambition of the show reflected the evolution of MFWB from a modest initiative into a nationally recognised platform, commending the collaboration between the state government and creative industry leaders for their role in strengthening Benue’s cultural economy.

 

 

 

Earlier, the Founder and Creative Director, Mshelia Jamal Jamilu, said the event has steadily expanded its influence, shaping careers and fostering creative growth. 

 

 

 

“I prefer to let the runway do the talking,” Jamal told guests.

 

 

 

Jamilu said that since the inception of the event in 2020, MFWB has grown into a key platform for both established and emerging designers from the Middle Belt, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, thereby boosting visibility for models and creative talent in the country.

 

 

 

He highlighted the show’s commitment to talent discovery, with an example of a young commercial motorcycle rider scouted by the MFWB team which made his runway debut after receiving grooming and training.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the event was energised further by performances from Benue born musicians including Rapizo, George Milla, Slim Birdie, GYVV, and President EMS while designers, industry stakeholders, and fashion enthusiasts packed the hall, as they showcased MFWB’s growing cultural and economic relevance.