The 22-year-old current Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi, has appealed to both the government and financial institutions to provide soft loans to those using fashion and craft to promote indigenous cultures and traditions.

Obiadi, the winner of the 2016 edition of the Miss Nigeria Beauty pageant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that the country was richly endowed culturally.

Obiadi from Anambra said that should stakeholders in the fashion sector have access to soft loans, they would be able to promote one of the nation’s cultures effectively.

“I think what we can do to boost our culture is to acknowledge the fact that many people are actually doing well in the industry.

“However, I think they need financial assistance and encouragement to excel beyond the present level.

“Government, banks and the organised private sector can assist the sector by granting soft loans to small businesses that promote traditional outfits, craft, jewellery and  bags,’’ she said.

According to her, whenever I travel abroad wearing my “Ankara’’ fabric and accessories, several people always stop to admire me.

“They would ask me how they can get such fabrics to buy.

“I think it is time we begin to appreciate what are ours and we stand for them.

“Unfortunately, it is like the international community loves our culture more than we do, and it is not supposed to be so.

“If we can embrace our indigenous fabrics as much as the foreigners do, it is going to promote our social life by generating more employment opportunities for the unemployed.

“Similarly, it will add value to our national economy,” Obiadi said.

Miss Nigeria also advised Nigerian girls to be proud of whom they are, and their country wherever they find themselves.

“As young girls, we must be proud of our colour, our culture, our heritage and tradition because they differentiate us from others.

“They are our identities “I am proud to be a Nigerian; and I project it through my dressing before the international community.

“We need to stand up to be good ambassadors of our country, especially, when we are outside,’’ she said.