Omodudu : Rethinking Our National Garb...

okonji iweala** wore her attire almost everywhere ...

2007-07-11T10:44:00.000-04:00

okonji iweala** wore her attire almost everywhere and she performed,everyone listened i dont think she had any problems with hers, so...you work better with what you are comfortable with i reckon

EMANCIPATE YOURSELVES FROM MENTAL SLAVERY (nothing...

2007-07-10T19:50:00.000-04:00

EMANCIPATE YOURSELVES FROM MENTAL SLAVERY (nothing personal)
Who defines what is professional garb? Until I left Naija I may have thought the same way. Now that i live in the west, I SEE. He attends a meeting or two,signs a document or two, how does the Agbada make him "seem" less smart? and to whom? will his wearing a suit attract more investors to Nigeria? will it end or improve corruption in Nigeria?
What this smells of is conformity, which can be equated with "my friends are doing it so it must be ok"
@refidone, your analogy touched a nerve, trading your clothes for western garb e.t.c is NOT the same as the repulsive and repugnant things you mention. These CRIMES against women under the guise of tradition is NOT the same as preserving our culture. I do not fight an evolving culture/tradition,what i question is the reasons behind it.
@kulutempa, you succinctly put into words my exact feelings.

Folks,Let me jump in here at the risk of repeating...

2007-07-09T03:28:00.000-04:00

Folks,Let me jump in here at the risk of repeating points that have been raised already.

I think the most important thing in choosing your attire is COMFORT. Are you comfortable in what you were and it's appropriateness for the occasion?

Does the president feel comfortable in his Agbada? I'd say YES.
Would he feel more comfortable in Agbada when everyone around is wearing suit? I'd say YES because he doesn't feel odd(which I agree he shouldn't).
Would he feel more comfortable in a suit or tie? I'd say NO because I wouldn't either.
Does his fashion diminish his effectiveness and the respect he gets from his peers. A resounding NO!!!!
Should he get a more streamlined version of the agbada so he looks more streamlined and "neat"? Hmmm...If it's not an Agbada, it;s not the same as an Agbada.

OBJ was massively respected by all internationally irrespective of his dress sense and his dressing was in no way responsible for any of his shortcomings. On the contrary, from being at an international event where he was, he gets more respect for his choice of individuality in his dressing. Plus I would rather he wear an Agbada to cover his 19 months pregnancy than have it protrude in a suit. That would be massively undignified and a big fashion faux pas.

P.S. The other man in trado is Professor Alpha Oumar Konare, former president of Mali and current Chairman of the African Union. An intellectual in his own rights. A PAN-African and Alhaji to boot hence his preferred choice of attire.

Dudu: so you are trying to fight me eh? I see you ...

2007-07-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

Dudu: so you are trying to fight me eh? I see you telling me to "Take that..." Let me catch you, you hear?

You are right the issue remains - branding. To package Nigeria via our fashion, agbada would probably not work. A more streamlined Kaftan would be easier to sell to a wider audience and quite frankly easier to wear (less folds of clothing).

Does Yardy have a stylist? Stupid question, he doesn't even have a cabinet, yet. Well, if he got himself a capable Nigerian stylist I am sure he/she will make sure that his outfits are event appropriate.

You also seem to have gotten your feelings about us slow, non-techie types off your chest eh? Later....

http://nigeriahealthwatch.blogspot.com/

2007-07-06T06:43:00.000-04:00

http://nigeriahealthwatch.blogspot.com/

I've been following the comments, very interesting...

2007-07-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

I've been following the comments, very interesting, personally i don't think there is anything wrong with our leader wearing his traidional attire. Why must he wear suits?? I kind of see it as an evidence of colonialism to have to wear the white man's attire so as to be compliant with the "global economy image".

Nothing wrong with buba and sokoto or the Rivers/I...

2007-07-05T13:01:00.000-04:00

Nothing wrong with buba and sokoto or the Rivers/Igbo garb or even the simpler Northern Nigeria riga without the baba

Okay I concede on this issue. Our president looks ...

2007-07-05T12:20:00.000-04:00

Okay I concede on this issue. Our president looks regal. The bigger question however still remains.
@kulutmepa...so why do firms spend so much on packaging a product, since the product is all that matters. Lets be real.
In the ideal world you are right its the brain that matters. In reality perception feeds into our day to day decisions. We can posture as much as we want, that is not going to change the status quo of the world order. Right now we have to admit that we live in a world where Africa's bargaining power has been choked. Get with the program my people. It is sad but its true. Denial will only prolong the suffering.
@Akin, costume! that is exactly what I think it is.
Ugo... the West presently hold the aces when it comes to production. So sad, but they play the tune right now.

@Kulutempa,I can only agree with you there - our d...

2007-07-05T11:42:00.000-04:00

@Kulutempa,

I can only agree with you there - our diplomatic service have a right to agree on what events they want our president to participate in.

For instance, Prince Charles went visiting the flooded areas yesterday and his staff expressly said no boats - OK! he eventually got in a dinghy to see the damage for himself.

We should have thinkers that allow for the best conveniences for our kind of attire of which tree-planting is hardly convenient.

Like I said early, on dank and humid Summer days, I wear my agbada to work and take of the big gown at my desk.

This is a group photograph, the man should appear his most regal amongst his peers who are also leaders of their countries.

It is no so much about tradition or culture, it is just the fact that it represents a good deal of our identity and there is no one better to showcase that but the President.

I have heard people say, we have seen that type of costume on your president and it looks nice.

If we have to put shoulder pads in the buba like Sienne Allwell Brown did in trying to Westernise our clothes, we would be the poorer for it.

I'm late to this discussion (damn!) but here's my ...

2007-07-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

I'm late to this discussion (damn!) but here's my take anyway: What he wears has absolutely nothing with whether or not he will be respected in this world of technology that you claim does not gel with traditional fashion. That's what his brain is for. He DOES look smart; it's just not the same kind of smart that Westerners have adopted as befits THEIR culture. It's a shallow critique, dude - it's not like this was that now-infamous tree-planting ceremony. What is it about this outfit that's SO unfitting for the occasion?

I personally think he'd feel a kaftan were too casual, seeing as that's probably what he wears regularly. And we know that, in Nigeria, you absolutely must dress up all the time when you're going out in public, down to those small girls "in uni" (I have my doubts, hence the quotation marks) who just want to nip out for some ice cream and shawarma. Lol...it's who we are, and I don't think he's done us a disservice in that photo. It would become a problem, I think, if he didn't know when to take that outer layer off, say, at a tree-planting ceremony....

Omodudu, it's your turn now...lolOk, Does the gran...

2007-07-05T05:50:00.000-04:00

Omodudu, it's your turn now...lol

Ok, Does the grandeur of an Agbada provide a psychological advantage for Yardi? YES, but that's not exactly the point here and i'm not even advocating such. Of course occassion and terrain should determine what one should wear.

You pointed out earlier, that he shold have trimmed it down to something like the one Ikemba wears or Peter Obi. The image, really won't look 'presidential' Have you forgotten the yoruba adage that the more overflowing an agbada is, the more respect you commands...haha, thats just an aside.

As i told Naijapolitriks, i totally understand the point here. I'm only emphasizing that what he's wearing does not in any way make him less a president or portray him as being 'lukewarm, outdated, archaic, uncomtemporary, and possibly stupid'

My Anonymous, probably stretched it out a bit there. I totally diagree on his manner of approach to the issue(s) raised.

LOL @ the rss thingy. Anybody not embracing modern technology should be jailed(no pun intended...lol!)

In al in all, it was a lovely debate. I haven't been this excited for sometime. Maybe i should still talk more on this on my blog later. I would like to hear other people's opinion on this ,as well.

PS: someone said, ugly people like wearing agbada, while cuties prefer suits. E.g: Baba Obj and Donald Duke/Pat Utomi...Lmao!

Come to think of it, i don't even wear an agbada o...

2007-07-05T05:38:00.000-04:00

Come to think of it, i don't even wear an agbada or watever...lol!

Naijapolitricks
for record purposes, i've kept the argument civil, C'mon nobody's killing anybody yet, ryt? gr8.
I totally get the point here. Believe me i do. Maybe i miscontrued things initially but like Omodudu said, blame it on the coffee...lol!

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. The importance of wearing 'proper' attire cannot be over emphasized. Granted also, we need to evolve and flow with the trends, especially when it comes to attending public funtions that demands every bit of 'looking profesional and capable' by presdiential bodies or otherwise, but when you look at it firmly, you'll see it doesn't really matter.

Take a good example with Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf-Liberia's first female president. She's gradually turning into one of the best presidents Africa has ever had. Her qualiites and dedication to duty and service speaks for itself, and hey, her garb has been completely native and traditional. Nobody has ever complained about that, neither does it affect her ability to turn Liberia into the most enviable country in the shortest possible time.

From my point of view, Wearing a 2 or 3 piece suit by Yardi doesn't in any way make him a better person or reflect that he has 'arrived' At the very least, he may be branded 'a follow follow' guy. Mere conjecture of the image he'll portray in a suit or other wester regalia will...erhmm, for lack of a better word to use, definitely be uncomfortable.

The issue shouldn't be on his dress sense, whether it conforms with the trends or the occassion but in his personality. A person's personality is all that matters. You can wear anything and still command the same attention and respect you deserve.

Had it been he was attending an upperclass business meeting, i would gladly subscribe to the idea of him putting on something more befitting. The event in question was a world leaders forum/fora. So, what he's wearing shouldn't have come up.

PS: Imagining Yardi in a 3 piece suit cracks me up for real...LOL!

Spot on!

2007-07-05T05:17:00.000-04:00

Spot on!

i don't know jare....!!Well, the agbada can be a b...

2007-07-04T23:12:00.000-04:00

i don't know jare....!!

Well, the agbada can be a bit cumbersome but i will rather that whoever represent naija wears our traditional outfits but maybe one that is less of a wahala!!

pammy

Okay its 4th of July, I hope you guys are having a...

2007-07-04T16:15:00.000-04:00

Okay its 4th of July, I hope you guys are having a wonderful parade and eating greasy food. I have some time on my hands today, no work yay! Lets see if I can clarify a thing or two and finally put some matters to rest. I have been expelled from a discussion board or two for my right wing perspectives, so I get it.
Who determines what is appropraite?
Design determines what is appropraite Mr Ugo. If I were from Costa Rica it would not be too hard to see the aerodynimic challenges associated with the flowing gown. Sorry @Divali Wole Soyinka does not rock an Agbada.
Does the granduer of an Agbada provide a psychological advantage for Yardi? Probably, but is this worth the points lost for proper branding. Take that @Solomosydelle.
Is it the traditional nature of the Agbada that disqualifies it as a smarter outfit? No Mr Anonymous, its the look. The last picture shows Emeka in a smart traditional outfit.
@eka, the other guy is African too, further butress my point, failure to revise our tradition.
Matters arising
Our continent has been oppressed for too long just because nobody has spoken up. I do not get speaking about revising our tradition necessarily relates to being unpatriotic. Does being patriotic equal been blind with a follow follow mentality. I understand why anyone could disagree but haba sellout is a stretch now. Mr Anonymous abi.
I am curious could the same sentiments driving this discussion be the same driving Nigeria's inability to adopt new ways of doing things. Example many Nigerian bloggers still think rss readers are an overkill, they rather move from page to page. Using that as a sort of shadow index keeping in mind that bloggers are generally more tuned to adopting new apps than the average person. Okay I had to just let that out. I am a bit frustrated at the slow rate of adoption of these tools which are freely available on the internet by my brothers and sisters.
We can sit back and talk about progress everyday, not much will happen if we do not examine our state of mind. If I stepped on your toes in the course of this exchange I apologize, lets blame it on the coffee. Love y'all. I really need you guys to expand on this tradition thingie on your individual blogs, it is eye opening.

I think we should be civil enough to have a health...

2007-07-04T13:48:00.000-04:00

I think we should be civil enough to have a healthy discourse and be more respectful of Omodudu who is hosting this discussion…

@Ugo Daniel
To your question, nobody defines what should be worn or not, but the occasion.
Traditional outfits are fine, but the point here is, as in everything else, we as Africans need to evolve in our dress sense...Yar'Adua's piece of flowing garb is a reflection of him being an African president, but does not in anyway represents the totality of our culture and tradition...we ought to be evolving in our dress sense to look smarter and more professional in public functions.

This is the 21st century people, cultures and tradition intertwine, and for one to spun this discussion as a referendum of western ideals or Americanization on African dress sense is totally outlandish!

Ugo, I am tempted to yarb you, but na, I like opin...

2007-07-04T12:03:00.000-04:00

Ugo, I am tempted to yarb you, but na, I like opinionated individuals, so that cool with me, ban ke..but why? But this is it though. I want you tell me that that parachute is smart. I want you to tell me that Wole Soyinka, Pat Utomi would wear that Agbada. The same way Bush would not dress like Benjamin Franklin, my people lets move on to smarter more suitable outfits. The original post stated categorically that I was not advocating for a suit wearing president but a smarter outfit. Looks to me here that its not really about the attire anymore, but more about a rebellion towards western ideals. This to me is not much of a problem, but when such rebellions result in sub optimal outcomes. I have a major problem with that.
Anonymous, I will get to you at a more appropriate time. Stop spamming me. Ugo, I think the beauty of blogs and blogging is the freedom to express different opinions, you do not need to be disappointed. Argh argh.

I think a lot of ppl have missed Omodudu’s point a...

2007-07-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

I think a lot of ppl have missed Omodudu’s point about the President dress sense…they are getting emotional about tradition… is this the only kind of tradition you all want to keep?…Will you speak in the same tone and passion about female circumcision? Shaving of the wife hair at the death of her husband in some parts of Nigeria? ..where she has to sit on the floor for 40 days ( as if she is the curse of the death) is that not "tradition" are you all fighting to keep these too?
Our presidents don't look capable in the Agada… we should find alternative attires that are keeping with the culture but also fit and look the part. Let's not get so emotional we miss the point.
It would be a good idea if our designers came up with something…let’s not just get emotional about “tradition” it’s not all tradition that should go with us into the 21st Century

Naijapolitricks i vehemently refuse to adopt the n...

2007-07-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

Naijapolitricks
i vehemently refuse to adopt the notion that what Yaradua is wearing is foreign to our culture. I'm no longer talking about culture here or ancestral heritage. The issue now should be WHO DETERMINES WHAT IS PROPER RO WEAR FOR AN OCCASION OR NOT.Is there a rule that says if one wears a native dress, smartly, and well, during such presidential gatherings, it makes him less important or mundane.

I believe in the principle of not foolowing the crowd. The flash point should be 'BE DIFFFERENT' Wearing of suits for public functions should not be miscontrued to be less dignifying.

You also said a smarter, profession looking president bla bla bla...What yaradua's wearing sets him apart, mamkes him unique and commands more attention than what the others are putting on. I'm not a Yaradua fan in anyways, but feel irked when respected bloggers jump into an intelligent debate without considering all flip sides.

But, hey, it's just your PERSONAL opinion, so i'm down with that. I respect that. I just wanted to point out the loop holes in your argument. Most times, i blame it all on too much westernization or should i call it, AMERICANIZATION.

I can agree with you, in governance, that Yaradua may seem a tard ineffective, unhealthy, lukewarm, etc but using his dress sense to reach such conclusion is at the very least, outrageous. Someone whispered to me to change it to SACRILEGE..LOL!

In essence, Yardua's garb does not in any way make him lesss dignifying or ineffective. So, what would you say about Soyinka and Okonjo Iwuala? Have you ever seen her on suit...you don't have to answer that.

PS: Omodudu, i hope say you no go ban me from ya blog oo! :)

Omodudu I am disappointed, for someone that calls ...

2007-07-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

Omodudu I am disappointed, for someone that calls himself omodudu. How could you? You have sold out to the Americans. You do not even have a sense of your traditional identity. You defend Obasanjo's governemnt, you defended Dare Obasanjo calling a human being a servant in Grandiose Palour. You are one of those stupid Nigerian elitist. I am sure you are one of those Nigerian who stole our countries money and ran away. You are a sellout anyway, why are you living abroad. Come to Nigeria and see for yourself. I know you will delete this comment. Yes I sent you the email, what are you going to do about it.

Kudos to Omodudu. I'm definitely feeling this post...

2007-07-04T10:44:00.000-04:00

Kudos to Omodudu. I'm definitely feeling this post! Nigerian dress sense aka President's dressing should reflect the mode of public/official functions. Makes no sense to assume that wearing Babariga, Agbada, Buba, Aso-oke clothes represents our way of life in anywayz; these are foreign to our cultures and tradition in itself and only makes one look out of place in such social and political events.
People should understand that a smarter, professional looking president would fit the bill in carrying the image of one who can actually govern and lead...a fit and healthy looking president can instill those sterling qualities in the country's citizenry; that's why you see presidents jog, exercise, eat right, display better dress sense and attitudes in public places...a Babariga looking president just doesn't cut it for me; they look ineffective, unhealthy and corrupt entities cloaked in parachute-like garbs...Nigerian leaders should take a cue from esthwhile Governor Donald Duke; this man knows how to dress as well as govern. Learn better attitudes and dress sense people!!!

lol @ tayo. too late i already imagined obj in a s...

2007-07-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

lol @ tayo. too late i already imagined obj in a suit. it doesnt 'werk' for me.

hhmm, i think Yardy can wear that. He looks different and there is a certain grandeur about it, i think someone mentioned that earlier.

besides, why not stand out?

@Omodudu, yes you do have a point and @ all, cultu...

2007-07-04T07:29:00.000-04:00

@Omodudu, yes you do have a point and @ all, culture is not necessarily determined by dressing ... if a man like Donald Duke or Alex Ekwueme were president, Suit would have been more appropriate. But man, imagine Yar'adua in a Suit? No. I think it all depends on what one takes as formal. Yar'adua performs his everyday duties in Agbada so let him continue. Although I also agree that other less "loud" traditional attire can depict our culture as adequately.
As for OBJ, his pot belly would make him look terrible in anything other than Agbada. Kaftan? Suit? Don't even bother imagining it.

oooooooooohhhhhthis is HOT oooohmmmm i'm still thi...

2007-07-04T02:33:00.000-04:00

oooooooooohhhhh

this is HOT oooo

hmmmm
i'm still thinking

I see that everything has already been said. For w...

2007-07-03T19:21:00.000-04:00

I see that everything has already been said. For what it is worth, though, I like to see Nigerian politicans dressing in Nigerian clothes. It makes the impression that they still serve their people rather than their allies and trading partners.