Adeleke unveils plan to make Osun Adire hub of Nigeria
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled plans to promote the state’s creative economy, focusing on Adire, a unique fabric that originated in Osun.
Speaking at the Adire Exhibition, Adeleke revealed that the State Government would actively support and promote the Adire brand by hosting industry events annually to upgrade stakeholders.
He also stated that his administration plans to develop sector-based policies to encourage entrepreneurs in the field, as well as support market development and design growth for the fabric.
The Governor, who described himself as the chief promoter of the creative industry, pledged to market both the sector and the Adire brand across states and nations.
He also unveiled the official logo for the Adire Osun Festival, calling on other stakeholders to join the effort to make Osun the Adire hub of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant on Creative Economy, Events, and Entertainment to Governor Adeleke, emphasized the need for the State Government to harness Adire, which has become a global cultural trend.
According to him, “The Adire Osun Festival is a futuristic, youth-engaging, and empowering project. The Adire Osun Street Carnival, the highlight of the Adire Festival, will encompass various zones and local government areas of Osun State.
“This major revenue earner will showcase the culture and tourism potential of Osun State while creating empowerment opportunities for our teeming youth population.”
“The growth of the Calabar Carnival, which has become the biggest carnival in Africa, serves as a test case we must emulate but in a more Yoruba culturally distinct form. Governor Donald Duke at the time saw the long-term vision. While other states focused on oil, he saw entertainment and believed in its future dominance.”
“The Adire Osun Carnival will specifically celebrate the culture of Osun State and its people in a carnival-like atmosphere. All costumes will be made from colorful Adire fabrics to showcase creativity.
“The Adire Osun Street Carnival will celebrate our people and our ways in a vibrant and colorful environment. We aim to develop a carnival that will transform the cultural and creative trajectory of Osun State in the coming years.”
