MAFEST 2025: Asaba Gears Up to Host Africa’s Most Glamorous Fashion Show

MAFEST 2025 Announces Local Organising Committee as Asaba Accelerates Preparations to Host Africa’s Glamorous Fashion Show April 24–26

Preparations for the 2025 edition of the pan-African fashion festival Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) billed to hold on April 24th to 26th, in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, Nigeria, have got another significant boost with the formal inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) saddled with the responsibility of ensuring end-to-end smooth planning and execution of MAFEST to its minutest details.

MAFEST is poised to make history as the most prominent fashion event in Africa. Scheduled to take place at the Dome Recreation and Event Centre in Asaba, MAFEST is designed to spotlight Africa’s burgeoning fashion and garment industry while fostering investment and innovation.

MAFEST 2025 is being organised by Mena Communications Limited in partnership with Vanguard Newspapers Limited, and Modela Couture. The festival is bolstered by strategic collaborations with major organisations, including Delta State Government, Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Others are Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) – in Africa, Europe, and UK South branches respectively, and Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

The setting up of the LOC, according to the President of MAFEST Governing Council, Mr. Charles Ozoemena, is to ensure the festival’s success.

The LOC is chaired by Mr. Samuel Fejokwu, a seasoned media consultant and broadcaster with over 35 years of experience, while the key members include, Mr. Emmanuel Oyovwikgho Avwerosuoghene as Secretary, and Miss Anita Odiakosi, Head of Marketing. Odiakosi is a filmmaker and brand consultant with political and strategic insight.

Other key members of the LOC are Mr. Shevy Ogo Okwuokei, a politician and events manager; Comrade Victor Praise, CEO of White Eagle Business Concept and a gospel artist; and Mr. Ediri Obada, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Entertainment and CEO, 2Things Promotions and Services, as Head of Transport and Logistics.

The other key members are Mr. Fejokwu Donatus, Mr. Chukwunenye Ojogwu, Mr. Nwandu Hilary Ekanem, and Ms. Joy Anyim, a movie producer and Founder, Stunt Street Dance.

Speaking further during the inauguration of the Committee in Asaba, Ozoemena said the aims of MAFEST include: to promote African fashion and creativity, noting that it is “a platform for established and emerging designers to showcase their talents, featuring avant-garde designs and innovative couture.”

He added that MAFEST was conceived to empower emerging fashion designers and models from across Africa, stating MAFEST 2025 is choreographed to empower emerging designers and models from the Host State, Delta.

The festival, he disclosed further, will also serve as a veritable platform to influence policy and investment by encouraging African governments and financial institutions to prioritise investment in the fashion and garment industry, the second-largest creator of jobs and wealth after agriculture.

MAFEST 2025 will also celebrate industry stakeholders by bringing together leading designers, models, influencers, celebrities, traders, and industry professionals.

Ozoemena enthused thus: “Budding designers and models will have the chance to demonstrate their talents on an international stage, positioning themselves as future leaders of the industry. MAFEST promises to celebrate Africa’s rich culture, creativity, and potential while driving economic growth and innovation within the continent’s fashion industry.

“This grand convergence is a testament to Africa’s vibrant and diverse fashion heritage, setting the stage for a transformative experience.”