The 5th edition of Uyo Fashion Week officially concluded its landmark anniversary with the establishment of the Uyo Fashion Week Model Academy, a talent pipeline designed to scale local models onto the global stage.
The five‑day event, themed “The Fusion,” ran from May 13 to 17, 2026, at the Glass House, Tropicana Event Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Spearheaded by convener Lady Mae Edmonds, the newly minted academy will focus on grooming indigenous models with elite runway skills and creating channels for international exposure.
A standout highlight was the Arise 31 Runway Show, featuring one designer from each of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas, aligning with the state’s economic empowerment goals.
Signature runways returned, including Asiaan (traditional poise), Ayaya (bold youth culture), and Ediye (exclusive private collections).
The opening ceremony was backed by Governor Umo Eno, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia. Beyond the runway, the week featured free masterclasses on AI in fashion, brand scaling, and financial self‑control, alongside a busy retail mart.
The black carpet drew Nollywood icons Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe‑Etim, Eve Esin, and Maurice Sam, with media personalities Denrele Edun, Nancy Isime, and Ebuka Obi‑Uchendu.
Supported by ALGON, Uyo Fashion Week continues to solidify its reputation as a structured, commercially driven platform for African fashion.
