Uwais Abdullahi Maiwada, son of a Court of Appeal judge, defied expectations by turning away from a career in biochemistry and molecular biology to building a thriving fashion and lifestyle brand in Abuja. Today, his upscale fashion house and signature tea lounge attract governors, top public officials, business executives and other influential Nigerians. He spoke with Chuks Okocha about entrepreneurship, skills development, wardrobe management and his vision for creating jobs through innovation Your journey extends beyond fashion into entrepreneurship, skills development and youth empowerment. Can you take us through how Uwais Maiwada evolved from a passion project into a multifaceted enterprise? My name is Uwais Abdullahi Maiwada. I am from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and I am also the Magayaki of the Keffi Emirate. I ventured into fashion out of passion. The Uwais brand started in 2017 as Uwais Caps, but we did not go very far with it. I then decided to focus fully on fashion. It all started in Keffi as an experiment. I converted a gazebo in my father’s house into a small factory after buying two sewing machines. By the grace of God, we later moved to Maitama, Abuja, after gaining some experience. While in Maitama, I realised many young people wanted to become self-reliant, so we began training them in fashion skills to enable them become entrepreneurs. That also led to the establishment of the Uwais Maiwada Aid Foundation (UMAF), a non-profit organisation focused on education and skills development. On July 28, 2025, the foundation organised its first Impact Forum, which promoted the transition from classroom learning to vocational skills. We believe vocational education creates employment opportunities because acquired skills can generate income. We also empowered young women and developed proposals for state governments to establish skill acquisition centres through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Our model differs from conventional skill centres because it combines a training centre with a production centre. Many skill acquisition programmes fail because beneficiaries sell the equipment given to them. Under our model, trainees move directly into production after completing their training. Through partnerships with schools, hotels, government agencies and paramilitary organisations, they already have a market for their products and services. Rather than simply empowering people with equipment, we create sustainable employment opportunities. Government can provide support, while private operators manage the centres efficiently through PPP arrangements. Beyond that, we introduced wardrobe management, especially for executives. Many busy professionals struggle to decide what to wear. We work with clients monthly by reviewing their schedules and preparing appropriate outfits for each engagement. Your appearance communicates a great deal about you, so we help clients make the right impression without worrying about daily wardrobe decisions. I remember discussing this idea with a state governor shortly after completing a Harvard Online course in Design Thinking and Innovation. When I explained the concept, he replied, “Did you enter my head?” because it addressed a challenge he personally faced. Sometimes we see public officials attending events with avoidable wardrobe issues simply because of their busy schedules. Our wardrobe management service addresses that gap. Although it is still being developed, it is an important part of our brand. What inspired this line of business? I studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. However, I built this brand out of passion. I enjoy helping people look good, and I realised everyone wears clothes every day. As someone once said, you may skip three meals in a day, but you cannot walk around naked. Regardless of income, everyone needs clothing. I also saw fashion as my own contribution to societal development. We often talk about change, so I asked myself, What can I do to contribute? Government cannot do everything. The private sector must also help create jobs and reduce unemployment. What made you to abandon what you studied at the university? Passion. It was my passion that made it possible for me to persevere. Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is not easy. Every day comes with uncertainty and rising operating costs. Even now, we are running on generators, and diesel is expensive. However, we have a vision and wanted to set an example for younger people. If we give up too easily, we send the message that there is no hope for the country. Encouragement also keeps me going. I remember travelling to Rivers State at a point when I had almost decided to quit the business. That same day, I met a client who encouraged me and supported the business. His patronage changed my perspective and convinced me I was on the right path. Sometimes even my brother tells me how much I h
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