By: Senami Agosu
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In celebration of its 15th anniversary and International Day of the Girl Child, the Debrae World Fashion Design Academy has officially launched the "Cloth The Girl Child Foundation."
The initiative, unveiled with a vibrant rally through the heart of Badagry, marks a significant commitment to nurturing the next generation of female leaders by equipping them with practical skills and moral fortitude. The foundation aims to transform lives through the art and business of fashion design.
The launch event on Friday, October 10 2025, was a community spectacle, featuring a spirited rally that commenced at the Roundabout and proceeded to the Badagry Local Government Secretariat. The event’s energy underscored a collective commitment to the cause.
Beyond the fanfare, the foundation immediately embarked on its mission by initiating a one-week intensive training program in fashion design for over 20 girls from Badagry Grammar School, provided completely free of charge. This hands-on workshop represents the core objective of the foundation: to build the girl child both morally and socially by providing a platform to nurture innate talent.
The visionary behind this initiative is Deborah Hunge, the Creative Director of Debrae World. Her motivation is deeply personal. “It has been tough creating an empire of fashion when you're from a low-class family,” Hunge shared, reflecting on her humble beginnings. “I wasn't born with a silver spoon; I wasn't even born with a spoon at all.”
She credits her mother, a top fashion designer in the early 90s, as her initial inspiration. Hunge revealed that her journey wasn't premeditated; she evolved into a designer by being a "problem solver" for her community. However, she also highlighted the challenges of being a local success, stating, “If you can survive here in BBadagry you can survive anywhere, people say 'she's our daughter' and aren't ready to pay for services. Financial challenges have been the major one.”
Establishing the foundation itself came with its own set of hurdles. Hunge addressed skepticism from those who questioned her motives, with some alleging she had political intentions. “Meanwhile, I don't have any intentions for politics,” she asserted.
“This is only a vision moved by God.” She described the foundation's launch as a divinely guided expansion of her initial plans, which now includes critical training modules like catering, inspired by the support her own mother once received. Despite the challenges, the entire event was solely financed by Debrae World, a point of pride for the founder.
Looking ahead, the ambitions for the Cloth The Girl Child Foundation are global. Hunge envisions a future where the foundation becomes a continent-wide force for empowerment. “In the next five years, we hope to do more, to improve the brand and the foundation. We are seeing ourselves as a global foundation that will empower the Africa Girl Child,” she affirmed.
The Chairman of the event, Hunge Joseph Mautin, who, despite acknowledging the tough journey, projected immense confidence: “Five years from now, I see Debrae World attaining greatness, a platform that can nurture a girl child's talent and fashion design skills.” With a firm foundation and a clear vision, Debrae World is stitching a new narrative of hope and opportunity for girls across Nigeria and beyond.