Just weeks after Meghan Markle’s high-profile visit, the Nigerian first lady delivered a bold speech offering a stern warning to the women of her country: “Don’t lose yourself in trying to emulate American celebrities.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, has not been shy in criticising the widespread influence of risqué Hollywood fashion trends.
Speaking in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of his husband’s administration, Tinubu urged teenagers to dress more modestly and reject the revealing styles popularised by US stars.
“We have to save our children,” she declared, “and we look at the way they’re dressed. We’re not having the Met Gala and everybody, there’s nudity everywhere and yet the men are well dressed.”
She continued, “Tell them that nudity is not acceptable in our culture. It’s not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.”
Tinubu did not explicitly criticize Meghan Markle, but noted that during the duchess’ recent visit to Nigeria, Markle highlighted her Nigerian roots and that a DNA test revealed she is 43 percent Nigerian.
“Why did Meghan come here to look for Africa? That’s what we need to bring back. [us]”We know who we are, let us not lose sight of who we are,” Tinubu said.
Markle and Prince Harry’s visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games drew mixed reactions.
Some experts criticised Markle’s choice of expensive and revealing outfit, saying she could have appeared “more modest” in a country where more than half the population is Muslim.
One fashion expert said Markle was “revealing too much skin” and that if the trip had been organised by Buckingham Palace she would have dressed more conservatively.
In his speech, Tinubu highlighted the beauty of Nigerian women and urged them to be confident in their identity.
“They’re all beautiful, but they should be confident in themselves,” she says. “We’re fashion-forward and we know what’s going on.”
The First Lady also called on Nigerian women to be a force for unity in their homes and communities, and promote greater prosperity for the nation.
“With our mothers with you, our homes will be in order,” she asserted. “In the future, we must strive to be a force for unity in our homes and communities, and bring greater prosperity to our nation.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day trip to Nigeria was their first official visit to Africa since wrapping up their royal duties and relocating to California.
The couple received a warm welcome at the event, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, despite the controversy over Markle’s choice of outfit.
Prince Harry praised the Nigerian athletes, saying they represented their country brilliantly in the last tournament, winning medals and returning home with smiles on their faces.
Members of the royal family were thrilled with plans to build a new Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria.
Speaking at a reception hosted by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Prince Harry expressed excitement about a proposed facility in Abuja aimed at helping with the rehabilitation of military veterans.
“Looking at the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps,” he said.
The Duke and Duchess currently live in California with their children, Princess Lilibeth and Prince Archie.
