Alake unveils Wole Soyinka Adire Village

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has unveiled the Wole Soyinka Adire Village Industrialization Project aimed at addressing the growing issue of adulteration in Adire and maintaining the authenticity of this cultural treasure.

Oba Gbadebo was speaking at his palace against the backdrop of adulterated Adire and the need for mass mechanized production of fabrics to reduce the cost and patronage of imported Adire fabric.

He emphasized that the Adire Village will serve as a vibrant hub for artisans, where they can merge ancient techniques with modern trends to sustain the continued relevance of Adire fabric in today’s market.

He explained that the project, spearheaded by the International Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (ICLED) in Lekki, Lagos, would mechanize Adire production, preserving its cultural heritage while fostering innovation.

Alake noted that the development is designed to mechanize processes within the fabric value chain and create a one-stop shop to produce raw materials, adding that it will enhance efficiency in crafting Adire fabrics.

He called on government bodies, private sector organizations, and individuals passionate about cultural preservation and economic growth to join the transformative project, saying it would create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and enhance the global standing of Adire fabric.

President of ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos, Prof. Olajumoke Familoni, urged stakeholders to support the project, noting that industrialisation of Adire production is sacrosanct as it would take the fabric to the global market and halting its adulteration.

A member of the House of Representatives, Afolabi Afuwape, emphasized the importance of improving the quality of Adire products, adding that mass production would significantly curb the importation of adulterated fabrics, boost the local economy, and save foreign exchange.

“Adire is a traditional, resist-dyed fabric originating from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria, and the launching of the Adire Village initiative would safeguard its cultural heritage while advancing economic development and positioning Egbaland as a leader in the traditional textile art on the global stage,” Afuwape said.