Uwais Abdullahi Maiwada, son of a Court of Appeal judge, defied expectations by turning away from a career in biochemistry and molecular biology to building a thriving fashion and lifestyle brand in Abuja. Today, his upscale fashion house and signature tea lounge attract governors, top public officials, business executives and other influential Nigerians. He spoke with Chuks Okocha about entrepreneurship, skills development, wardrobe management and his vision for creating jobs through innovation
Your journey extends beyond fashion into entrepreneurship, skills development and youth empowerment. Can you take us through how Uwais Maiwada evolved from a passion project into a multifaceted enterprise?
My name is Uwais Abdullahi Maiwada. I am from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and I am also the Magayaki of the Keffi Emirate. I ventured into fashion out of passion. The Uwais brand started in 2017 as Uwais Caps, but we did not go very far with it. I then decided to focus fully on fashion. It all started in Keffi as an experiment. I converted a gazebo in my father’s house into a small factory after buying two sewing machines. By the grace of God, we later moved to Maitama, Abuja, after gaining some experience. While in Maitama, I realised many young people wanted to become self-reliant, so we began training them in fashion skills to enable them become entrepreneurs. That also led to the establishment of the Uwais Maiwada Aid Foundation (UMAF), a non-profit organisation focused on education and skills development. On July 28, 2025, the foundation organised its first Impact Forum, which promoted the transition from classroom learning to vocational skills. We believe vocational education creates employment opportunities because acquired skills can generate income. We also empowered young women and developed proposals for state governments to establish skill acquisition centres through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Our model differs from conventional skill centres because it combines a training centre with a production centre. Many skill acquisition programmes fail because beneficiaries sell the equipment given to them. Under our model, trainees move directly into production after completing their training. Through partnerships with schools, hotels, government agencies and paramilitary organisations, they already have a market for their products and services. Rather than simply empowering people with equipment, we create sustainable employment opportunities. Government can provide support, while private operators manage the centres efficiently through PPP arrangements.
Beyond that, we introduced wardrobe management, especially for executives. Many busy professionals struggle to decide what to wear. We work with clients monthly by reviewing their schedules and preparing appropriate outfits for each engagement. Your appearance communicates a great deal about you, so we help clients make the right impression without worrying about daily wardrobe decisions. I remember discussing this idea with a state governor shortly after completing a Harvard Online course in Design Thinking and Innovation. When I explained the concept, he replied, “Did you enter my head?” because it addressed a challenge he personally faced. Sometimes we see public officials attending events with avoidable wardrobe issues simply because of their busy schedules. Our wardrobe management service addresses that gap. Although it is still being developed, it is an important part of our brand.
What inspired this line of business?
I studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. However, I built this brand out of passion. I enjoy helping people look good, and I realised everyone wears clothes every day. As someone once said, you may skip three meals in a day, but you cannot walk around naked. Regardless of income, everyone needs clothing. I also saw fashion as my own contribution to societal development. We often talk about change, so I asked myself, What can I do to contribute? Government cannot do everything. The private sector must also help create jobs and reduce unemployment.
What made you to abandon what you studied at the university?
Passion. It was my passion that made it possible for me to persevere. Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is not easy. Every day comes with uncertainty and rising operating costs. Even now, we are running on generators, and diesel is expensive. However, we have a vision and wanted to set an example for younger people. If we give up too easily, we send the message that there is no hope for the country. Encouragement also keeps me going. I remember travelling to Rivers State at a point when I had almost decided to quit the business. That same day, I met a client who encouraged me and supported the business. His patronage changed my perspective and convinced me I was on the right path. Sometimes even my brother tells me how much I have achieved. Comments like that motivate me. Of course, there are critics, but I do not dwell on criticism. You cannot move forward while constantly looking backward. I focus on reasons to keep pushing rather than reasons to quit.
How would you encourage young Nigerians, especially graduates, to make good use of available opportunities?
I would advise them to remain true to themselves. Many young people grow up believing that success only comes through certain white-collar jobs. That mindset needs to change. As a biochemist, I chose a different path in the informal sector because it aligns with my passion. I once visited someone who dismissed me because of what I do. Yet people far more accomplished respected my work. Experiences like that strengthened my resolve. I tell young people not to worry about what society thinks. Look around the world—skills have transformed lives. Many successful people are known more for their creativity and entrepreneurial abilities than for their academic qualifications. That is not to say the journey is easy. There will always be challenges. It is important to tell young people both the opportunities and the realities so they are prepared. Every worthwhile endeavour comes with difficulties. When my brother received a government appointment, my father asked me to submit my CV. I declined because I knew entrepreneurship was the life I wanted. Some people see government jobs as security, and that is fine. But I prefer doing what I love. Because I enjoy what I do, I have the energy to keep improving. I believe that if more young people pursue their passions while developing valuable skills, we can gradually change the narrative.
What is the story behind your tea brand?
We developed two blends—the Carrot Tea and the Uwais Special Tea. They are made from ingredients such as hibiscus, cardamom, ginger, mint leaves, green tea and other healthy herbs. We engaged an expert to develop the blends and organised tea-tasting sessions where we explained the health benefits of each product. People appreciated both the taste and the health benefits, and our customer base grew through recommendations. We produce and blend the teas ourselves.
What challenges do you face with the tea business?
One major challenge is balancing different categories of customers. Many of our high-profile clients travel frequently. Sometimes I call them expecting to conclude a transaction, only to hear they are abroad. That means you never know when business with them will resume. That is why we value everyday customers. If you ignore ordinary customers because you are chasing influential people, you may regret it later. Today’s ordinary customer could become tomorrow’s influential person. We therefore create products at different price points so everyone can afford something. I also believe every customer matters. A driver may introduce you to his employer. Someone you overlook today may become your biggest opportunity tomorrow.
Do you plan to make your tea available in more locations?
Yes, we do. We have ambitious expansion plans, but funding remains our biggest challenge. We have built the business through savings and determination. To expand successfully, we need additional investment and strategic partners. Expansion requires more people, more resources and a stronger distribution network. Recently, a client told me that if we could produce a particular design quickly, there was demand for it outside Abuja. Opportunities like that encourage us to think seriously about opening more outlets and expanding into new markets.
Apart from fashion, do you intend to venture into other areas?
Yes. I also own Atlas Unimatrix, a project management company. It handles different types of projects, including interior design, business setup and project coordination. We have started operations, but we are taking things gradually because funding is a challenge. My philosophy is to establish one business successfully before expanding into another. Fortunately, that expansion is already in our pipeline.