Made in the North Festival finally made its long awaited debut in Abuja on Tuesday. The festival aimed at exposing the culture and creativity of Nigeria’s northern region, lived up to its hype as it brought together businesses in diverse forms, enabling networking that transcends state boundaries.
The festival provides a platform for building connections and fostering unity, facilitating exchange of ideas and collectively achieving regional and national goals, according to the organiser, Muhammad Ashraf.
“Its goal is to create an environment that offers educative entertainment, bringing many together and promoting love and the products coming out of northern Nigeria”, he said.
With the objective of hosting the festival in cities across the northern region of the country, like Kano and Katsina, the last festival was held in Kaduna.
The festival in Abuja, which ran through the night, was filled with glamour and lots of excitement visible in the eyes of participants and vendors.
And, leading a team of exceptional and dedicated professionals from different backgrounds, Mr. Ashraf said lots of problems meant to be solved in Nigeria’s northern region was the backbone behind the staging of the festival across cities in the north.
He said this is a product of years of planning drawn from data collated from the industry, even the global industry.
“Lots of reasons drove me into planning for this event, Mr. Ashraf stated.
“I saw there is a problem and it’s not the absence of talents that’s stopping our people from eradicating or alleviating poverty, it’s the lack of utilisation. I thought of how do we bring creatives together through an event to showcase ourselves? I’ve been privileged to work with creative, talented minds from the north.
“We had conversations on how to contribute and make things work and we were able to gather momentum in staging this event, knowing who to work with to bring the desired success that we needed”, he added.
We spoke with some of the vendors at the festival and their view were taken into account. Sakina Aminu, the CEO, Skcoconut Heaven and More, said as a vendor, she came to sell her drink products and it has been “a nice experience. “As you can see, we are selling out fast”, she said.
Hafsah Ramalan of Sweet Layers said it’s really fascinating to see lots of brands and their products being displayed. “It’s really amazing to interact with people. I’m a vendor but, I also bought from other vendors. So, it’s really nice”, Hafsa added.
In the words of Mohammed Ali El-Sheikh, a vendor assistant with Bin Umar Creations, “apparently, it’s a big trade fair, combined with a lot of activities going on, it seems very entertaining. It’s just getting started but, the momentum so far is smooth. I think the setup is nice.
“I like how the security and officials are handling things. For the organizers, I think they should just stay consistent and grow better. They are starting on a good footing. This is a nice way to start.
Mrs. Bilkisu Ahmed Haruna of Bafmah Foodies said “whoever conceived this idea is a person that have the interest of the north at heart. It’s an avenue for our youth, especially those in Abuja. You know some of them studied abroad and are far away from the culture and the tradition of the north.
“So, when they come here, they see a lot of delicacies displayed, a lot of cultural films and attires. So, I think it’s a good idea to organize an event like this.
Patience Matthews of Savoury International Farms praised the organisers for “taking their time to organize the events and it really came out well. For now, there’s no challenge, because there’s none experienced so far”.
Unmi Salamatu representing High Top Taste said they decided to participate as vendors, having seen the publicity on social media. She also said there’s always an encouraging turn up at events held by the organisers. She added that patronage has been high since they came for the event. “We came here with 600 bottles of juice but, I have only 200+ remaining. So, Alhamdullilah, I’m looking forward to the next edition.
Maya Ameen, the CEO, Mayah’s Virtuals/Coddle. She’s into production of cakes and body products. She said she’s at the festival to make new customers and interact with like minded persons, also hoping for the best as the festival progresses.
Another vendor, Nadia Bello appreciated the event organisers, stating that “I like the festival. Alhamdullilah”!
Sadia Uba, the owner of Sadi Bakes Abj said she’s at the festival to create business, sell her goods, connect with other vendors and meet new persons. “I’ve connected with other vendors and it has been fine. I’ve met with people and it has been fun. We are looking forward to see how the event will wrap up”, she said.
Aisha Yusuf, the CEO of Kamis Kitchen was excited to see the festival finally staged in Abuja. She said “we are celebrating, it’s finally our turn in Abuja to have our Made In The North Festival. We really looked forward to it and have made customers that I will take from here. I followed the event in Kaduna and I will make the most of it here in Abuja”.
Finally, Asia Wada Usman, the CEO of Only Wings was at the festival to connect with people and for it to be recognized. “I ‘ve met so many people”, she said.
The festival brought together networking spaces, mega trade fair, stage performances, slam, talent hunt, amongst other creative activities.
A good number of northern creatives and popular artists that featured include the likes of Namenj, Mr 442, Uzee usman, Rahma Sadau, Oj Posharella, Ahmerdy, Classiq, Daneji the Magician, Sultan of Abuja, MC Raheena, MC Big Boy, among many others.
Also, it had in attendance the technical adviser to the Vice President on youth, women engagement and impact, Hajiya Hauwa Liman, the Special Adviser to the President (OVP) on Digital and Creative Economy, John Fegho Umunubo and the National Coordinator, Obedient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko.