No matter the political party at the helm of government, the economic topsy-turvy in Nigeria will never be resolved until they start by crafting policies that protect SMEs. If they can’t protect small businesses, how will they resolve the issues of monetary policies and create trust in multi-national? If the fashion franchise business system were well structured, fashion brand like Alobam, a product from an investor from the entertainment industry would still be in business contributing to the GDP of the country.

Music stars have always been at the forefront of promoting pop culture through their fan-base and Nigeria was not an exception. That distinctive direction informs the reason behind XNC’s partnership with Naija’s Afro-pop culture tour de force, Phyno, to use the title of one of his tracks ‘Alobam’ to create a viral style trend within his fan-base and by extension the larger style market.

Within 2014-2016, the experimentation worked, the #Alobam movement resonated with celebrities and fans across the country. As demand increased in numbers, pirates took advantage of the unregulated system that does not protect franchise owners. Like virus, they shipped in fake product through the borders and seaport; they infected the market with low quality products until the brand run its full course. Another investor’s idea kicks the bucket. So here’s my question for those running for president in 2019, #whatyouallgoando about this?

Words by Sesan Adeniji