Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Olafunke Makinde, has called for greater recognition of African cultural heritage and women’s contributions to economic development as beauticians and hairdressers gathered for a major exhibition in Ibadan.
The First Lady joined Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, and the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, at the Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association (NBHA) 2026 Hair and Body Care Exhibition and Cultural Day.
The event, held on Thursday, November 5, at the Tennis Court of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, attracted beauty professionals, entrepreneurs and cultural enthusiasts from across Oyo State.
Organised under the theme, “Celebrating Our Culture Through Beauty, Unity and Tradition,” the exhibition provided a platform for showcasing African beauty practices while promoting entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
Mrs Makinde, who attended as Guest Speaker and Mother of the Day, emphasised the importance of protecting traditional values and encouraging unity through cultural expression.
She also highlighted the contributions of beauticians and hairdressers to women’s economic empowerment, particularly through small-scale businesses that provide livelihoods and employment opportunities.
Adekanmbi chaired the occasion, while Ajadi participated as Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the event, Ajadi commended the association for combining cultural celebration with initiatives aimed at strengthening business opportunities within the beauty industry.
The APM senatorial candidate pledged support for the association alongside Adekanmbi, stressing the need to empower women and young entrepreneurs through programmes that encourage financial independence.
He described the beauty and personal care sector as an important contributor to economic activity, noting its potential to create jobs and support small businesses.
Ajadi also encouraged members to maintain professional standards, embrace creativity and preserve traditional African beauty practices.
Earlier, the NBHA Oyo State Chapter President, Chief Mrs Toyin Oladapo, described the exhibition as a celebration of cultural identity and the association’s commitment to unity.
“Today, we celebrate more than beauty. We celebrate our identity, our culture, our traditions and the heritage that makes us who we are,” she said.
Oladapo explained that traditional hairstyles, fabrics, adornments and beauty practices reflected generations of African creativity and history.
She maintained that practitioners had responsibilities extending beyond providing beauty services to preserving cultural traditions for future generations.
“As beauticians and hairdressers, we are not only in the business of making people beautiful; we are custodians of a rich cultural heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” she stated.
The association’s president thanked the First Lady for attending, describing her presence as encouragement to women building businesses and contributing to society.
She also acknowledged the association’s founder, Yeye Oba Olubunmi Adesanya (JP), for her contributions to establishing and developing the organisation.
Ezeana Emmanuel
