As part of efforts to boost the local production of Adire fabric, a one-stop shop in Adire village will soon berth in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
This was disclosed by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, on Friday, at a press conference in Abeokuta, that the Adire village is named after the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
The monarch said the Adire village, which would take off soon, is designed to help with the industrialisation and mechanisation of the indigenous local fabric.
He lauded the entrepreneurial initiative of the International Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development (ICLED), led by Professor Olajumoke Familoni, in promoting the production of Adire on a large scale for exportation and local consumption.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Adire Village Industrialisation Project, a visionary endeavour designed to mechanise the processes within the Adire value chain and create a one-stop shop for the production of essential raw materials.
“Adire, a traditional fabric steeped in rich cultural heritage, has long been a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship. However, in today’s rapidly evolving global market, it is essential that we not only preserve this artistry but also innovate and adapt.
“The Adire Village will serve as a hub where tradition meets modernity, fostering sustainable economic growth while honouring our roots,” Oba Gbadebo added.
He explained that the one-stop Adire village would address the challenge of unemployment among the youths and empower local artisans with the use of new technologies and skills.
While speaking on the influx of Chinese Adire in the markets, Oba Gbadebo encouraged the production of local Adire in large quantities as a way to fight adulteration.
“We already have a good product, and so when we produce this fabric in large quantity through mechanisation, then the price will go down, and there will be no need for us to be patronising those imported ones again. This is part of the reason why this Adire Village is being supported and encouraged,” Alake said.
Professor Familoni appealed to various stakeholders in the business of Adire Making towards the success of the project, aimed at industrialising the local fabric.
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