Polaris Bank has taken a significant step towards fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in Nigeria by partnering with Amtis Skills Place to organize the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to identify, train, and mentor young designers, particularly those aged between 18 and 35. Amtis Skills Place, founded in 2015, is dedicated to providing contemporary vocational skills to the youth of Nigeria. The collaboration between Polaris Bank and Amtis Skills Place aims not only to promote fashion design but also to equip participants with practical skills that can enhance their career prospects in the fashion industry.
The 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition served as an inspiring platform for emerging designers to draw inspiration from vintage styles while collaborating with makeup artists and models. The event emphasized teamwork, creativity, and craftsmanship, allowing participants to explore and celebrate the rich aesthetics of classic fashion eras. Contestants were challenged to design garments that not only adhered to a vintage theme but also demonstrated their ability to innovate within traditional constraints. This rich blend of collaboration among various fashion industry professionals helped participants hone their skills and gain valuable insights into the aesthetics and intricacies of fashion design.
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony that celebrated the outstanding talents of the participants. Wuraola Robert emerged as the top prize winner, securing a reward of N500,000. The second place was awarded N300,000, and the third place received N200,000, highlighting Polaris Bank’s commitment to providing financial incentives to motivate and encourage young talent in the industry. This recognition and reward structure not only boosts the confidence of the winning participants but also serves as an impetus for others to pursue their passion in fashion design with increased determination.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, the bank expressed its commitment to helping young individuals achieve their dreams within a supportive framework. Lawal emphasized that the partnership with Amtis Vintage Fashion was an avenue to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and cultivate their creative potential. Looking ahead, he hinted at future expansions of the event that would include more diverse content, increased giveaways, and even greater empowerment initiatives targeting the business sector. This forward-thinking approach indicates a strong intent to create a sustainable ecosystem for young creatives.
Moreover, Omotunde Adebusola, the Managing Director of Amtis Skills Place, lauded Polaris Bank for its vital role in supporting entrepreneurship and vocational training. He highlighted that the bank’s support played a significant part in making the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition a success. Adebusola expressed gratitude for Polaris Bank’s belief in their vision to nurture young talents, emphasizing the positive impact of this collaboration on the lives of young designers and the broader fashion community. Such partnerships reflect a shared commitment to fostering innovation and encouraging young talents in Nigeria.
In summary, the partnership between Polaris Bank and Amtis Skills Place for the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition showcases a significant stride towards empowering the youth of Nigeria through design and entrepreneurship. By providing a platform for emerging designers and recognizing their talents with monetary awards, both organizations aim to inspire a new generation of creatives. The commitment to future collaborations and expansions holds promise for continued support of vocational skills and entrepreneurship, which is essential for the growth of the fashion industry and the overall economy of Nigeria. The success of this year’s competition highlights the importance of such initiatives in nurturing talent and fostering creative industries in the country.
