Spotlight with Dorcas Amana

Today on BwariTimes Spotlight is Spotlight with Dorcas Amana, a fashion designer and the host of Ankara Night. She is one of those many creatives putting Bwari in the spotlight with their skill and talent. For her, fashion is beyond clothing, it’s a way of life and expression and her passion is to empower models and create a viable market in the local area. Join us as we interact with her on BwariTimes Spotlight.

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About Dorcas Amana

My name is Iko-Ojo Dorcas Amana founder of Amana Fashion Art.
A fashion designer, an abstract artist, entrepreneur, and host of Ankara Night fashion show here in Bwari.
Fashion for me is more than clothes it is about helping people, especially women, feel confident and proud of who they are.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer, and when did you discover your passion?

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Dorcas: I discovered my passion early because I grow up to seeing my Mom been a Tailor, helping her to make dresses, with that during my secondary school days I do help my fellow students to shape and fit the over size and shapeless school uniforms given to us by the school management.
I loved fabrics, colours, and making people feel good. What inspired me was seeing how the right outfit can change how someone walks, talks, and carries themselves. I wanted to be the person who gives that confidence. Therefore, I started learning, practicing, and sewing for friends and family.

What are the biggest challenges when starting how you overcame them?

Dorcas: The biggest challenge was resources and getting sponsors. When you are building a brand and also an event like Ankara Night, you need support. Sometimes people do not see the vision yet.
However, I overcame it by being consistent, and letting my work speak. I reinvested every profit, learned new skills, and surrounded myself with people who believed in the vision. And of course, prayer, friends and family support kept me going.

The achievement(s) you’re most proud of

Dorcas: I am most proud that I started Amana Fashion Art with almost nothing, and today we’re hosting the 0.5 edition of Ankara Night Fashion Show 2026 with the theme ‘Rebirth’. It shows that with consistency, faith, and hard work, you can rebuild and grow.
That journey from small beginnings to creating a platform for others is what I’m most proud of.

Tell us about your fashion brand. What makes it unique and message?

Dorcas: Amana Fashion Art is about African beauty with modern elegance. We specialize in Ankara and other fabrics, but we give them a fresh, classy twist so you can wear them anywhere to work, events, etc
The message to our customers is: You deserve to feel confident and reborn in every outfit. That’s why our theme this year is ‘Rebirth’.

How are you positioning to stand out and long-term goals?

Dorcas: The fashion industry is competitive, but we stand out by focusing on quality and community.
We don’t just sell clothes, we build relationships with our clients.
Long term, I want Amana Fashion Art to be a house that trains young designers and exports Nigerian fashion.

Why create the annual fashion show and hoped impact?

Dorcas: I created Ankara Night Fashion Show because I saw that a lot of young designers and models have the talent but no platform. I wanted to create that platform.
My hope is that the show inspires people, creates jobs, and shows that fashion can grow our local economy. It’s about giving back.

What should guests expect this year?

Dorcas: Guests should expect something special! This is Ankara Night Fashion Show 2026, theme
‘Rebirth’. It’s happening December 5 at Peninsula Suite Bwari Abuja.
Expect new collections from Amana Fashion Art, appearances by young designers, great music, and a whole experience of culture and style.
This year is different because we’re focusing on growth and new beginnings.

Are there any new collections, designers, or special experiences that will make this edition different?

Dorcas: Yes there are a lot, just get ready to get your mind blown up

Beyond showcasing beautiful designs, how does your annual fashion show support young designers, models, or the growth of the local fashion industry?

Dorcas: We make sure young designers and models get space on the runway. We also train and mentor them before the show. After the event, we connect them with customers and opportunities.
The goal is simple, when you come to Ankara Night, you don’t just watch fashion you become part of the growth of the industry in Bwari.

When is your next Ankara Night?

Dorcas: This year’s edition hold on the 5th of December 2026 and the venue is at Peninsula Suite Bwari Abuja.
Your presence means a lot it helps us lift more young talents. To support Amana Fashion Art: follow us, shop with us, and come to Ankara Night Fashion Show 2026.

What is your advice to young people aspiring to start?

Dorcas: To aspiring designers
Start now
Start small
Be consistent and learn both the craft and the business, don’t wait for everything to be perfect.

This has been Amana with us on the BwariTimes Spotlight, we are glad to have you. Connect with Amana on all social media platform for sponsorship, enquiries and more. Follow us on Facebook and other social media platforms to get breaking news inspiring stories from people shaping the face of Bwari.