By Funmi Ojo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled plans to reposition Adire as a major driver of economic growth, job creation and global recognition for the state.
Speaking at the opening of the Adire Osun Export Summit and Fashion Couture in Osogbo, the Governor said the state has begun realising its long-held vision of placing Adire at the centre of public consciousness.
He described the indigenous textile as a neglected goldmine with vast economic potential, and saying, the Adire development agenda is being implemented in phases, starting with public sensitisation.
He said this will be followed by a public-private partnership framework, training and capacity building, the establishment of Adire industrial hubs, and expansion into African and global markets.
The Governor explained that his administration first moved to reclaim Osun’s heritage as the birthplace of Adire, a process he said remained ongoing.
He said enforcement of Adire usage within the public service has recorded notable success.
He noted that capacity building and financial empowerment for Adire makers have faced some constraints.
Governor Adeleke said the government prioritised massive sensitisation, hosting more than five Adire-focused events in the last two years.
He said the initiatives have increased public awareness and attracted growing stakeholder interest.
The governor said the summit was designed to expose participants to business and export opportunities within the Adire industry, noting that, Adire has become a leading fashion choice across Africa and globally, attracting patronage from political leaders and business executives.
Governor Adeleke revealed that his administration is pursuing holistic development of the Adire industry through an integrated value-chain approach, adding that, this includes raw material production, university-based textile courses, equipment manufacturing, industrial facilities, export infrastructure and supportive financial systems.
The governor announced that from 2026, a comprehensive stakeholders’ implementation plan for the Adire value chain will be released.
He assured industry players of inclusive participation in the process.
While commending the organising committee, Governor Adeleke said the summit marked a critical phase in implementing the state’s vision for the Adire sub-sector.
He directed that local Adire makers must be prioritised across all value-chain activities and warned against sidelining local expertise in favour of external operators.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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