Former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Najeem Awodele, has urged the federal and state governments to support indigenous textile and fabric industries to boost the growth and export of local materials, especially Adire.
This, when done, Awodele said would contribute to the nation’s economic development and stability.
Awodele stated this on Thursday at the 2nd National Adire Festival held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto Abeokuta, Ogun.
The former minister maintained that to fully realise the sector’s potential and inspire women and youths to pursue it, cooperation between business organisations, Indigenous Adire producers, and all tiers of government is needed.
Delivering his address at the Festival theme, “Empowering Youths and Women for Economic Viability,” the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, who was represented by Orunto of Owu, Chief Biodun Lashile, explained that the event is a rallying point for stakeholders within the Adire fabric sector to discuss as seek the best economic pathway to make the industry attractive and for sustainability.
In a similar vein, other speakers such as Dr Tunde Adegbola, Mr Lasun Somoye, and Professor Braide opined that the government should increase local content in the production chains to support the Adire Fabric industry.
They stressed that importation of inputs used in Adire production does not promote sustainability.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director of Asani and Aduke Foundation, Dr Ronke Adeboyejo, stated that the festival’s theme was apt and aimed at sustaining the industry by encouraging the young men and women in the sector.
Adeboyejo, however, appreciated the German International Cooperation for Development (GIZ) for sponsoring a masterclass for 100 participants to become entrepreneurs.
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