FADAN BESTOWS CHIEF LAI OLUMEGBON, THE LEGENDARY TAILOR AT 90, WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

By Paul Ukpabio

When Chief Abdulfatai Layiwola Olumegbon turned 90, everyone celebrated with the illustrious entrepreneur, who knew what he wanted in life, skipped school at teenage age of 15 and embraced a career as a tailor to everyone's shock and dismay!

But he knew what he wanted in life and he was so good that his master who trained him, refused to graduate him after completing the four year apprenticeship programme. So he stayed for 7 years, training as a Tailor.

He became the best tailor, sought after by a Sir Raymond Njoku a Minister in the then Federal Government cabinet and other top government functionaries. He was already sewing for the elite class which included young Subomi Balogun before they travelled abroad for studies.

Challenged by not wanting to be a local tailor, young Lai The Tailor as he was fondly called, left the shores of Nigeria for studies and more training as a tailor in London. He was so good that he also went into garment making and he remained to Nigeria, as the best tailor around. And in 1983, he was honoured with the 'Member of The Order of The Niger' by President Shehu Shagari.

As he turned, 90, FADAN as a body stepped out proudly to identify with a Father of the Fashion industry in Nigeria.

Amidst the entertainment, members of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), read out this emotion-laden speech, "The Chairman, dignitaries distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, we stand on all existing protocols. It is with great pleasure that we members of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) honour this special invitation to celebrate an industry Father, fashion Icon and sartorial entrepreneur per excellence Chief Layi Olumegbon at 90.

"When we read the robust professional profile of Chief Layi, his contribution to the Nigerian fashion industry we can only thank God Almighty for a great gift bestowed upon our industry and profession. In recognition of all these achievements and contributions to the Nigerian Fashion industry we on behalf of our dear National President in person of Mrs. Funmilayo Ajila Ladipo who is unavoidably absent on other official assignment abroad present, decorate and honour you with this plaque and gifts.

"We wish you many more Years in sound HEALTH, great Strength in order to inspire us more and service of God and humanity. CONGRATULATIONS!"

After the speech, FADAN made the presentation of a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, to the celebrant.