The Oyo State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Olubunmi Oni, on Friday, said the Gover Seyi Makinde administration directed civil servants in the state to adopt the wearing of Aso-Oke native attire to work on Thursdays to boost the local economy through fabric sales and promote Yoruba culture and tradition.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oni stated that wearing Aso-Oke native attire would surely expand sales in the local fabric industry, adding that it would serve as a useful avenue to promote Yoruba culture.

The Head of Service pointed out that civil servants would have the opportunity to wear it at different times rather than just keeping it at home after ceremonies.

She disclosed that the present administration in the state, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, approved the wearing of Aso-Oke and other traditional attire on Thursdays for all civil/public servants to enhance the economy of the local fabric industries, whether through weaving, selling, or sewing it.

She said, “As people wear it, the manufacturers will produce more, and it will boost the economy of those trading in it, sewing it, and even tying the gele in the state,” the statement said.

The HoS said Governor Makinde believes strongly in the welfare of the masses, hinting that the governor is running a people-focused government, which is why he is focusing on Aso-Oke traders in this instance.

She enjoined civil/public servants across the state to wear the native attire in a moderate manner, noting that it should not appear as if they are going to social gatherings. She said that the purpose of wearing it is to promote the culture, support the local manufacturers, and boost the tourism sector of the state.

Oni then directed the heads of ministries, departments, and agencies in the state to ensure strict compliance with the directive among civil/public servants across the state.