…Boosts Adire, local fabrics production
The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, is leading an initiative aimed at boosting the production of Adire and tie-and-dye local fabrics by empowering and training youths and women within the Adire value chain.
During a tour of the Adire Ekiti Hub in Ado-Ekiti, one of her pet projects, Dr. Oyebanji informed members of the Ekiti State Executive Council that the hub has successfully trained and empowered over 400 youths from the Ekiti Central and Southern Senatorial Districts.
Ekiti News reports that Dr . Oyebanji also announced that another batch of 200 youths from the Ekiti South Senatorial District is set to begin their training soon.
While speaking alongside Abimbola Oni, the Director of the Centre, the First Lady explained that Adire products are now in high demand both within the State and among the diaspora. She urged the Executive Council members to embrace these locally-made products, emphasizing their distinct quality.
Dr. Oyebanji noted that supporting Adire would not only boost the State’s local economy but also foster a sense of pride in Ekiti’s cultural heritage.
She said, “Our vision for Adire Ekiti is not for profit making. Our vision is to train and empower as many youths as possible, starting with 600 youths from the three senatorial districts. We also have an arrangement where the Hub buys finished products from the youths, thereby enhancing their capacity and business growth.
“EXCO members can also send youths in their constituencies here for training. The centre will train and expose them to the trade. This is a better and a more sustainable way of empowering the youths than giving them handouts.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, while responding on behalf of the state government praised the empowerment initiatives of the Governor’s wife.
She described these efforts as impactful and crucial to the socio-economic development of the State.
Dr. Adubiaro lauded the wife of the governor ffor the initiative aimed at creating jobs opportunity and giving economic empowerment to hundreds of Ekiti youths and women.
She mentioned that the Council members have resolved to facilitate the training and empowerment of youths from their respective constituencies. Additionally, they plan to support the local craft by promoting the use of Adire fabrics at government functions and events, further boosting the visibility of the local textile industry.