…Urges Nigeria to Harness Its Mineral Wealth
By: Theresa Moses
At the recently concluded GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025, one of the standout exhibitors was Mrs. Folahan Odebo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Beauties ‘n’ Gems Jewelry. Known for her impeccable taste and signature timeless collections, she brought elegance, craftsmanship, and originality to the exhibition floor.
In an exclusive interview with Gatmash News, she shared rare insights into Nigeria’s jewelry potential, craftsmanship challenges, and why the world is sleeping on Nigeria’s natural stones.
Soft-spoken yet strikingly confident, Mrs. Odebo introduced her brand with clarity and conviction:
“I carry all types of jewelry that are exclusive, timeless pieces. They don’t have to be expensive to be good — but they must be of great quality.”
Mrs. Odebo recounted her evolution in the industry — beginning with costume and fashion jewelry, then transitioning into 18-karat gold, and eventually discovering the true power and affordability of 925 sterling silver crafted with real coral and gemstones.
“When gold became too high, people still wanted colorful, durable pieces,” she explained.
“When I saw what they were doing with sterling silver abroad, I knew we could offer something even better — affordable luxury.”
Many of the standout pieces she showcased at GTCO Fashion Weekend were uniquely designed and carried the Beauties ‘n’ Gems logo.
In one of the most striking revelations of the interview, Mrs. Odebo emphasized that Nigeria is home to a vast array of gemstones — many still unknown to the global market.
“There is no stone here that we don’t have in Nigeria,” she said.
“I’ve seen stones here that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. But because we don’t have enough goldsmiths to finish them properly, we ship our stones to Italy — then they come back branded as Italian jewelry.”
She lamented the irony of Nigerian leather and gemstones being rebranded abroad and sold back at premium prices.
“The wealth in this country is unbelievable.”
She called for improved local production structures and increased investment in training artisans.
“That is how China grew,” she explained.
“They insisted production must be done in China. If we do the same with our jewelry industry, imagine the jobs we could create.”
She noted that while a few organizations are training goldsmiths, the numbers are still too small.
“The interest is there. We just need structured training for these boys and girls.”
Despite the gaps in craftsmanship, Mrs. Odebo is optimistic about the jewelry sector’s future.
“Oh, it will still not meet the standard immediately,” she admitted, “but the race of a thousand miles starts with one step. We can do it. Nigeria has the tenacity — if we face something, we face it.”
She revealed that sales in the industry are strong and steadily growing, especially with more Nigerian-made pieces gaining consumer trust.
“For instance,” she shared, pointing to pieces on display, “all these are made here — and we sell a lot. My products attract people. All these beads? They are made here. We have great sales on them.”
But she also emphasized the need for industry-wide collaboration and flexibility.
“They need to look inward,” she said.
“When you showcase clothing and accessories at events like this, the organizers also need to share the joy. The creative industry needs to have a face.”
She noted that designers and exhibitors often have valuable insights, but organizers must be willing to listen.
“They have to be open to our advice, and they need to be flexible. Flexibility is very important to carry people along. They are doing a wonderful thing — but they need to be more flexible.”
When asked how she consistently curates such elegant, standout pieces, she credited her spiritual sensitivity.
“People ask me, ‘How do you choose your pieces?’ And I tell them — it is the Holy Spirit. The spirit of excellence guides me. It’s not me; it is God.”
Her pieces — colorful, durable, and meticulously crafted — drew significant attention throughout the two-day GTCO Fashion Weekend.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Odebo believes Nigeria’s jewelry industry can compete on the global stage — if the nation prioritizes craftsmanship, local production, and value addition.
“There is so much goodness in this country. If we intentionally harness what we have, Nigeria will shock the world,” she concluded.
GATMASH NEWS
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