Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The countdown has begun for the Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0, a celebrated platform recognizing remarkable talents and contributions across governance, entertainment, business, media, and creative industries in the nine Niger Delta states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Powered by Juvenis Magazine/TV, the awards will culminate in a star-studded ceremony on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Center in Port Harcourt. With 56 categories and more than 840 nominees highlighting exceptional achievements in 2025, NDAA 8.0 continues to foster regional pride and development.
Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng), an independent digital news outlet focused on credible reporting and advocacy for the Niger Delta, is proud to be an official media partner. This alliance reinforces Alexa.ng's mission to spotlight innovation, culture, and excellence in the region.
Among the highly anticipated categories is Fashion Designer of the Year, featuring 15 talented designers and brands. These nominees have made significant impacts through bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear collections, bridal wear, cultural fusion, and luxury craftsmanship, often blending traditional Niger Delta elements with modern aesthetics to promote regional identity on national and international stages.
Here are detailed profiles of the nominees:
1. Jazz Effect Design (Rivers State)
Founded by Doris Gam Dede over 20 years ago in Port Harcourt, Jazz Effect Design is an award-winning women's ready-to-wear brand specializing in elegant female apparel. With collections like the Rivers Maidens and IBIEREBO 2.0, it celebrates local fabrics such as ikaki while offering nationwide delivery. Having styled thousands of women and participated in international fashion shows, Jazz Effect remains a beacon of sophistication and cultural pride in Rivers State.
2. Da Kulture Empire (Edo State)
Led by visionary CEO Omatosanine Jolly Fregene in Benin City, Da Kulture Empire is a luxury unisex clothing brand renowned for suits, bridals, kaftans, and custom designs. In 2025, it launched the groundbreaking "Kulture Code" fashion showcase, elevating Edo's fashion scene. With over 18 years of experience, the brand bridges culture, lifestyle, and high-end fashion, earning acclaim for its opulent bridal and traditional attire.
3. Joevi Fashion Home (Delta State)
Based in Warri, Joevi Fashion Home is a professional bespoke studio excelling in bridal dresses and custom outfits with worldwide shipping. Known for intricate designs that capture the essence of celebrations, it has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and timely delivery, serving clients across Delta and beyond with elegant, personalized fashion solutions.
4. Aniferaz Reserve (Akwa Ibom State)
An extension of the acclaimed Aniferaz brand in Uyo, Aniferaz Reserve focuses on men's ready-to-wear luxury kaftans alongside bespoke tailoring. With a decade of expertise, it emphasizes precision fitting, premium fabrics, and global shipping. The brand's collections highlight sophisticated men's wear, making it a go-to for discerning clients seeking timeless elegance.
5. Demorgan Senator Styles (Abia State)
Operating from Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, Demorgan Senator Styles specializes in customized male senator wears and African attire. Founded in 2017, it prides itself on assured quality, perfect fittings, and affordability, with delivery turnaround of 3-7 days. As a leading men's wear brand, it supplies wholesale and retail across Nigeria and internationally.
6. Nnem Cammy Stiches & Styles (Imo State)
A dedicated tailoring house in Imo State, Nnem Cammy Stiches & Styles offers bespoke stitching and creative designs. Known for its commitment to skill development and quality finishes, it contributes to the local fashion ecosystem by training seamstresses and delivering personalized styles that resonate with Imo clientele.
7. Destin Tailors (Ondo State)
Headquartered in Akure, Destin Tailors, led by Destin Orji, crafts luxury suits, groomswear, and bespoke pieces with a focus on intricate details like jacquard fabrics and floral accents. Specializing in wedding and special occasion attire, it has garnered praise for transforming clients into standout figures with sophisticated, modern tailoring.
8. Confi Stitches (Bayelsa State)
Located in Yenagoa, Confi Stitches provides bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear collections, and fashion training. Offering wholesale, retail, and creative styling, it features trendy designs with nationwide shipping. The brand also runs a fashion school, empowering aspiring designers in Bayelsa while delivering innovative outfits.
9. Luvita Creations (Cross River State)
Founded by Lovelyn Chris Ita in Calabar, Luvita Creations blends African fabrics with Western touches in bespoke and ready-to-wear women's designs. Collections like "Kedei" draw from Ekoi heritage, promoting cultural narratives. It supports community initiatives and employs local talent, fostering economic growth through fashion.
10. Henri Mars Deluxe Wears (Rivers State)
A creative fashion company in Port Harcourt, Henri Mars Deluxe Wears excels in male and female bespoke pieces using quality fabrics and authentic leather. Emphasizing presence and confidence, it crafts high-end outfits for distinguished clients, positioning itself as a symbol of classy, impeccable tailoring.
11. Elvida Clothing (Bayelsa State)
Based in Yenagoa with expanding reach, Elvida Clothing offers bespoke, ready-to-wear, and bridal designs, including corsets and madam blouses. It operates a fashion academy and delivers internationally, known for detailed craftsmanship and training programs that uplift Bayelsa's creative sector.
12. House of Borah (Akwa Ibom State)
Led by award-winning creative director Ifiok Akan in Uyo, House of Borah is an iconic brand encompassing luxury fashion, a winery, and academy. Renowned for bold, soulful designs rooted in culture, it showcases unmatched craftsmanship on runways like Uyo Fashion Week, crafting identity through elegant collections.
13. Parker & Kent Fashion (Delta State)
From Asaba, Parker & Kent operates a fashion academy alongside bespoke services for weddings and occasions. It provides luxury looks with professional training in tailoring, corsets, and design, helping clients achieve distinctive styles while nurturing new talents in Delta's fashion industry.
14. Agbons Prada Studios (Edo State)
Part of the Agbons-GL luxury bridal and couture house in Benin City, Agbons Prada Studios merges African heritage with high artistry. Specializing in voluminous bridal gowns and cultural pieces like the Igodomigodo collection, it celebrates Edo richness with hand-crafted details and global appeal.
15. House of BO (Rivers State)
A premier Port Harcourt brand specializing in bridals, bespoke, and ready-to-wear Ankara designs with worldwide shipping. It runs a garment factory and design school, training professionals and producing world-standard outfits that blend tradition with contemporary flair.
These nominees embody the thriving fashion ecosystem of the Niger Delta, driving economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and innovation. Public voting is active on the official NDAA platform.
The Fashion Designer of the Year winner will be unveiled at the February 8, 2026, event. Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng) will offer in-depth coverage to celebrate these creatives and encourage continued excellence.
