Ifeanyi Obi, an Associate Professor of Construction in the UK, is a PhD holder in Architecture and Construction Management and a software innovator in BuildTech human interaction and sensory integration.
Wearing traditional outfits to represent and express the rich African tradition and culture in interviews and meetings has been quite instrumental in attracting the opportunities the young man needed at some particular time.
“I would wear my traditional outfit to most important interviews and meetings; even here in the UK. What an opportunity to showcase our rich and attractive culture and more often than not this has brought me the attention and favor that I needed at that particular time. To standout in the midst of the crowd and be admired for representing is a great feeling,” he says.
From the traditional customs of the Maasai in Kenya to the sweeping beauty of the Sahara desert, Africa is a vibrant and beautiful land filled with fascinating people and cultures. Every culture has its own unique expression and these differences enrich the African continent and create unforgettable experiences. Dr. Obi who is also the founder of TUARIS, an estate management and international property value exchange scheme, left his interviewers with an unforgettable experience during an interview for a seat on the board of a college in the UK prior to our conversation.
I was interviewed for a seat on the board of a college recently and you can guess the attire was the statement for inclusiveness and diversity they needed. Proud of our Culture!
Ifeanyi Obi
As seen in the featured image, Obi is pictured wearing a traditional attire likened to the Hausa people, a vibrant display of their culture and history.
A traditionally dressed Hausa man would wear a babban riga, which is a long flowing tunic over loose trousers, often adorned with colorful embroider.
While the attire may be visibly likened to the Hausas, the traditional outfit share some similarities as well as many differences with the Yorubas. Both are known for their brightly colored textiles and intricate bead, embroidery, and sequin work. However, the Hausa man typically wears a babban riga, which is a long tunic over loose trousers, while the traditional Yoruba man wears a buba and sokoto set; a white shirt and trousers with a matching cap.
Women of both tribes often wear fabric headwraps and elaborate jewelry pieces. The main difference between their traditional attire comes in the form of the Hausa habre matai and the Yoruba iro and buba set.
By Elijah Christopher
