Ireti Bakare-Yusuf Advocates for Nigerian Lace Recognition

Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, a broadcast journalist and founder of the Purple Woman Foundation, has called for Nigerian-made lace to be recognized as a Nigerian product rather than Austrian. During an interview with ARISE News, she challenged the notion that lace produced in Nigeria should be labeled as Austrian due to the importation of some materials.

Bakare-Yusuf stated, “It is not Austrian lace made in Nigeria. It is Nigeria-made lace,” highlighting Nigeria's pivotal role in the lace industry.

She pointed out Lagos’ historical connection to the lace trade, particularly identifying Gotà as a major center for lace sales. Bakare-Yusuf noted that while some manufacturers import materials like yarn, the actual production and craftsmanship occur in Nigeria.

She cited Supreme Lace as an example of a product whose Nigerian origins are often overlooked. Bakare-Yusuf also mentioned the production of a documentary funded by Austria that tells Nigeria's story in the lace industry, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of Nigeria's contributions.