..As Stakeholders honour Olori Ogunwusi, Apatira, others
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has charged producers of Adire indigenous textiles to sustain the quality and standard of their products to enable them compete with international brands.
Oba Adeyeye made the charge at the maiden edition of the Adire Indigenous Textiles Exhibition in Ile Ife,Osun state. The programme was part of the 2023 edition of Olojo Festival, with over 60 exhibitors from across Nigeria and four other African countries in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the revered monarch said Ile-Ife was the cradle of Yoruba race, adding that civilization of Yoruba race started in Ile Oduduwa.
“It was in Ile Ife that the different vocational skills began. We traced the indigenous Adire hand- made skills, and tie and dye to Ife before it later spread to Osogbo, Abeokuta and Lagos. The event is a major milestone. It is an opportunity for the indigenous textile producers to showcase their products and I hope the Adire producers will step up their production techniques, fight against fake producers in order for them to sustain the quality of the products and also compete with international brands.
Project coordinator of the event, Ambassador Ibrahim Lawal, who is also chairman, Adire sector of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Textile Garment Tailoring Workers of Nigeria,(NUTGTW) said the two- day event was major milestone for the Itire-Ikate Tradesmen Artisans Association, adding that it provided the needed opportunities for the indigenous Adire producers to network and sell their products.
He expressed appreciation to Oba Ogunwusi for being part of the event and buying some of the products.
He said special awards were presented to Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi and the chairman, Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hammed Apatira.
“We gave special awards to prominent people that have contributed in one way or the other to the success of this event,” he said.