Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed his administration’s plan of boosting the economy of the state by encouraging entrepreneurs in the Adire fabric industry of the state.
The governor made this known at the World Media Conference of the Adire Osun Exhibition/Festival and official Unveiling of the Festival Logo in Osogbo.
Adeleke who unveiled the logo, described the exhibition of various styles, colours and sizes of Adire as an important phase of Osun agenda for the state’s creative economy.
He defined Osun as the home of Adire, saying that from Osun, Adire spreads to other states and regions.
The governor urged stakeholders to support his agenda of transforming the state economy through Adire, saying, “Osun should soon become the Adire hub of Nigeria.”
“As the originator of this unique fabric, the Osun state government has resolved to actively support and promote this brand.
“On an annual basis, we will be hosting Adire industry events to upgrade the stakeholders. We will develop a sector based policy that will encourage entrepreneurs in this field.
“We will also support market development and design growth for the fabric. From 2025, our government will develop the capacity of industry players towards superior presence in the market.
“I will be the chief promoter of the creative industry as a professional myself. I will market the sector and especially the Adire brand among comity of states and nations,” Adeleke said while addressing staunch traditional adherents and cultural enthusiasts in the state.
In his remarks earlier, Tunde Laface, the
Senior Special Assistant on Creative Economy, Events and Entertainment to Governor Adeleke, underscored the need for the state government to harness Adire, which he said has become a global cultural trend.
He said, “Adire Osun Festival is a very futuristic youth engaging and empowering project. Adire Osun Street Carnival is the highlight of the Adire Festival and it will encompass the different zones and local government areas of Osun State. This major revenue earner will boast the Culture and Tourism potential of Osun State as well as create empowerment opportunities for our teeming youth population.
“The growth of Calabar Carnival which has grown to become the biggest Carnival in Africa is a test case that we must emulate but in a more Yoruba culturally divergent form.
“Adire Osun Carnival will be specifically modelled to celebrate the Culture of Osun State and its people in a carnival-like atmosphere. All the costumes to be used will be made from very colourful Adire fabrics to showcase creativity.
“We aim to develop a carnival that will change the culture and creative trajectory of Osun State in the next couple of years.”
