Uyi Omorogbe: the Nigerian designer building schools in rural Africa

Uyi Omorogbe is a social entrepreneur and the brain behind “NASO”, a black-owned modern fashion brand that combines Western and African culture to create simple and timeless pieces made with authentic Africa textiles.

All his designs are exquisitely made in Africa and designed in New York City.

NASO collection features clean designs that are comfortable and functional, with touches of African flair. “We take simple shapes and silhouettes and accent them with authentic African textiles, creating looks that are subtle, but catch the eye of everyone in the room,” Omorogbe stated.

Omorogbe, a first-generation Nigerian-American, former NCAA Division 1 men’s soccer player, and Colgate University graduate founded NASO with the intent of empowering Africa.

According to the organization’s website, “Uyi fell in love with the idea that one could create a business that changed the world. He creates products that authentically marry his Western and African backgrounds while simultaneously empowering Africans”.

While visiting the rural village of Urhokuosa in Nigeria where his father grew up, he discovered a primary school with no resources. The school, according to him, was filled with students who were eager to learn but had no desks, chairs, windows or bathrooms.

A few months later, Omorogbe through his company, NASO, returned to the village and built the community a new school.

He is using his company to invest in the future of Africa by building schools in rural villages. The company uses 7% of every purchase to build schools in rural villages across Africa and manufactures 100% of its products on the continent.  

NASO believes that the future of Africa is the youth.

“If we encourage and invest in them, they will have the capacity to transform not only their communities, but the world.

“When our customers wear our clothing we want them to have a feeling of empowerment, a feeling that makes them think, ‘That’s right, well done.’ Or as we say in Nigeria… NASO,” Omorogbe stated.

Omorogbe and his company recently partnered with Banana Republic for a four-day pop-up shop in their flagship store in Manhattan, New York City (Rockefeller Center).