And They Say We Are Lazy

Interview on PAPER


In early 2018, the president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, passed a comment on Nigerian youth being uneducated and waiting for handouts from their oil producing nation, "More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven't been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free." While the presidency later clarified "not all youth," the statement was still met with anger, particularly on social media where #LazyNigerianYouth was created and people used it as an opportunity to promote their work, businesses and show off their impressive achievements.


"And They Say We Are Lazy" is a fashion production that addresses the statement. At first, "idle" youth may be apparent. However, once broken down literally, the images showcase two working Nigerian models from one of the many successful youth-led model agencies in the country. They are wearing pieces by Nigerian labels Wekafore and Wafflesandcream along with the Spanish brand Outsiders Division. The work represents the collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth who are not all, lazy.


Styling: Rebeca Sueiro
Make-up: Itziar Nzang
Models: Amaka Orji and Femi Dan-Oni of Fowler Model Management

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