Osun unveils plan to boost economy via local fabric

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, disclosed his administration’s plan of boosting the economy of the state, by encouraging entrepreneurs in the Adire fabric industry.

The governor, who made the disclosure at the World Media Conference of the Adire Osun Exhibition/Festival, and official unveiling of the festival logo in Osogbo, described the exhibition of various styles, colours and sizes of Adire as an important phase of the Osun agenda for a creative economy.

He defined Osun as the home of Adire, saying from here, the fabric spreads to other states and regions.

The governor urged stakeholders to support his agenda of transforming the state economy through Adire, boasting: “Osun should soon become the Adire hub of Nigeria.”

He added: “As the originator of this unique fabric, the Osun State government has resolved to actively support and promote this brand.”

“On an annual *yearly) 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 a 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 the comity of states and nations.”

In his remarks earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on Creative Economy, Events and Entertainment to the Governor, Tunde Laface, underscored the need for the state government to harness textile, which he said, had become a global cultural trend.