The founder of Luciana, an AI-powered Virtual Try-On platform, Luciana Ojeniyi, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem to boost job creation and drive economic growth.
Ojeniyi made the call in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja, urging governments, private organisations and industry stakeholders to provide greater support for young creatives.
She said the support should include improved access to funding, mentorship, modern technology, infrastructure, creative education and stronger intellectual property protection to foster innovation-driven businesses.
“Nigeria doesn’t lack talent. What many young people need is greater access to opportunity, funding, mentorship, modern technology and platforms that help them scale.
“The creative economy should be seen not just as entertainment or fashion but as a serious economic driver capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, increasing exports and showcasing Nigeria’s excellence on the global stage.
“When we empower our creatives, we’re investing in the future of our economy,” she said.
Ojeniyi said Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs were increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve customer experience and position local brands for greater competitiveness in global markets.
According to her, the integration of craftsmanship, technology and customer experience is transforming the fashion industry.
She explained that the AI-powered Virtual Try-On platform was developed to eliminate the uncertainty many consumers experience when shopping for clothing online.
“Fashion has always been deeply personal for me.
“One of the biggest barriers to online shopping is uncertainty. Customers often wonder, ‘Will this outfit actually suit me? How will I look in it?
“So I wanted to remove that doubt and make shopping more accessible, convenient and fun for everyone,” she said.
Ojeniyi said the platform allows customers to upload a photograph or take a live image on the company’s website to instantly visualise how selected Luciana outfits would look before making a purchase.
She noted that the technology was designed to improve customer confidence and bridge the gap between digital and physical retail.
According to her, customers who prefer conventional shopping can still visit the brand’s physical store for personalised styling services.
“The platform allows customers to visualise themselves in our designs before making a purchase, giving them greater confidence and creating a more immersive shopping experience.
“Fashion and styling today are no longer only about craftsmanship, as consumers expect convenience, personalisation and innovation,” she said.
Ojeniyi added that the company adopted AI to serve both Nigerian and international customers.
“We are not only targeting the Nigerian market; we’re also targeting the global market.
“For everything you want to do, you have to be solving a need, and that was what gave rise to the AI Virtual Try-On platform,” she said.
She described the brand as a platform where African craftsmanship meets innovation and global standards.
