Long before HALIGAM became a fashion brand, its founder, Godiya Gamaliel, was already developing an interest in the profession that would eventually shape her career.
Her earliest exposure to fashion came through her mother, whose work in the industry introduced her to the creativity and dedication involved in making clothes.
That childhood influence remained with her through university and later inspired her decision to pursue professional fashion training.
In 2023, after completing an upgrade programme at Prudential Fashion Academy, Gamaliel established HALIGAM, bringing her creative interests into a business focused on fashion design, quality craftsmanship and the training of aspiring designers.
Today, the brand represents more than her interest in clothing. It reflects a professional journey shaped by learning, practical experience and a commitment to producing carefully executed garments.
The Inspiration Behind HALIGAM
Gamaliel's introduction to fashion came from watching her mother work.
The experience helped her develop an appreciation for the profession and eventually influenced her decision to become a designer.
"My passion for fashion, coupled with the inspiration I drew from my mother, motivated me to pursue a career in fashion design. Growing up, I watched her work in the fashion industry, and her dedication inspired me to follow in her footsteps," she recalled.
Although her interest in fashion began early, her academic journey initially followed a different direction.
She attended Ahmadu Bello University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, specialising in Geography, in 2019.
Her eventual transition into fashion required additional professional training.
In 2023, she completed an upgrade programme at Prudential Fashion Academy and obtained a Certificate in Fashion Design.
The programme helped strengthen her technical knowledge and provided practical experience that would become important to her professional development.
During her training, Gamaliel received the academy's Best Aso-Oke Outfit and Blazer awards in 2023.
These recognitions marked a significant stage in her development and preceded the establishment of HALIGAM later that year.
A Brand Built Around Thoughtful Design
HALIGAM was established with a focus on creative fashion design and quality craftsmanship.
For Gamaliel, developing a garment involves bringing together creativity, technical knowledge and an understanding of the client's expectations.
The brand's approach reflects her belief that clothing should be produced with attention to detail and care throughout the design process.
Since its establishment, HALIGAM has continued to develop its portfolio through fashion projects that serve different occasions.
Its founder's experience at Prudential Fashion Academy, including her final project presentation and award-winning work, contributed to the foundation upon which the business was built.
That training continues to inform her commitment to maintaining professional standards.
As a designer, Gamaliel also recognises that producing clothing requires more than an attractive design concept.
The ability to work with materials, understand construction techniques and respond to client requirements remains central to the profession.
These considerations shape the practical side of HALIGAM's work as the business continues to develop.
HALIGAM's Reported Work for a Big Brother Naija Housemate
One of the notable projects identified by Gamaliel is her involvement in producing outfits associated with the 2026 edition of Big Brother Naija.
According to the designer, HALIGAM worked on the entrance and exit outfits of Bluethopia, whom she identified as a contestant on the reality television programme.
The project represents an entertainment-related addition to the brand's portfolio.
Entrance and exit appearances are important moments in the public presentation of reality television personalities, with clothing forming part of how contestants appear before viewers.
For fashion designers, assignments connected to such appearances provide opportunities to apply their skills in a setting that differs from conventional client projects.
HALIGAM's reported involvement reflects the brand's experience in creating garments for different purposes and occasions.
Although detailed information about the construction process was not provided, the assignment remains one of the projects Gamaliel considers significant in her professional journey.
It also forms part of the experience she continues to build as she develops the brand.
Where Fashion Design Meets Education
An important part of HALIGAM's identity is its founder's involvement in fashion education.
Beyond designing and producing clothing, Gamaliel works as a fashion tutor, sharing practical knowledge with aspiring designers.
Her commitment to teaching reflects an interest in helping others develop skills that can support their professional ambitions.
This aspect of her career is also connected to her academic background.
Having studied Education at Ahmadu Bello University before obtaining her fashion qualification, Gamaliel has developed a professional path that brings together instruction and creative practice.
When asked about her greatest accomplishment, she identified making an impact through teaching fashion and her determination to contribute to the development of others.
For her, professional success is not limited to completing garments or building a portfolio.
The opportunity to share knowledge and support aspiring designers also holds personal significance.
Through her work as a tutor, she continues to participate in the learning process that helped shape her own career.
Creating Bridal Fashion With Cultural Identity
HALIGAM's current work includes a bridal collection for a Northern Nigerian bride.
The project focuses on developing garments that reflect elegance, cultural identity and sophistication.
Bridal fashion provides an opportunity to create clothing that carries personal meaning while responding to the cultural background and preferences of the wearer.
For this collection, Gamaliel's immediate priority is ensuring that each design is thoughtfully executed and meets the standard expected of the brand.
The project also reflects HALIGAM's interest in producing clothing for significant occasions.
By working on a collection connected to Northern Nigerian bridal fashion, the brand is developing experience in a category where cultural expression and individual style are closely connected.
Gamaliel remains focused on completing the collection successfully before turning her attention to other projects.
The Discipline Behind Building a Fashion Business
While fashion design provides opportunities for creativity, running a fashion business also requires commercial discipline.
Gamaliel acknowledges that designers must navigate several challenges, including demanding clients, financial management, sourcing quality materials and responding to changing trends.
She considers patience and consistency essential to maintaining professional standards while building a reputable business.
"Building a reputable brand also takes time, consistency, patience, and the ability to overcome setbacks while maintaining creativity and quality," she explained.
These experiences have influenced her understanding of what it takes to develop HALIGAM.
They have also reinforced the importance of approaching each assignment with care, regardless of its size.
Her personal philosophy captures that approach.
"Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well."
For Gamaliel, the statement reflects the importance of maintaining quality and taking responsibility for the work entrusted to her.
Looking Ahead for HALIGAM
Since its establishment in 2023, HALIGAM has developed through professional training, practical fashion projects and its founder's commitment to education.
Gamaliel's journey has taken her from studying Geography Education to pursuing specialised fashion training, establishing a business and teaching aspiring designers.
Along the way, she has received recognition for her work at Prudential Fashion Academy, undertaken entertainment-related fashion assignments and expanded her experience into bridal design.
Her immediate attention remains on completing the Northern Nigerian bridal collection to the standard she expects.
Gamaliel's ambitions for HALIGAM also extend beyond Nigeria. As part of her plans for professional growth, she intends to attend London Fashion Week in 2027, where she hopes to gain greater exposure to the international fashion industry.
The planned experience reflects her desire to continue developing her creative abilities, broaden her professional perspective and explore opportunities that could contribute to HALIGAM's growth.
For a brand established in 2023, the ambition represents an important direction in its founder's long-term vision.
Beyond that project, the values guiding HALIGAM remain closely connected to the experiences that shaped its founder's career.
Creativity provides the inspiration, craftsmanship supports the execution, and education creates an opportunity to share knowledge with others.
For individuals beginning their own fashion journeys, Gamaliel offers advice drawn from her experience.
"Be consistent, be willing to start small, do not be discouraged by your mistakes."
It is a message that reflects HALIGAM's development so far: a business built through learning, practical experience and a commitment to improving its work.
As Godiya Gamaliel continues to develop her craft and train aspiring designers, HALIGAM remains an expression of the passion for fashion she first discovered through her mother's work.
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