Nigerians have been enjoined to be proud of the indigenous Adire Fabric by showing more patronage, while private organisations and government should show commitment to its production and distribution.
This advice was given in Abeokuta, by the Project Manager of the prestigious Ogun State Fashion fair, Mr Adeyemi Adeleye, who disclosed that this year's event will honour some prominent Ogun Indigenes who have contributed to the development of the State, most especially as it concerns tourism and the promotion of the local adire fabric.
Mr Adeleye said this year's Edition will honour former Governor Olusegun Osoba, who will be the Chairman of the day as the 2021 Adire Ambassador for his love for promoting the local Adire Fabric.
He said, "Former Governor Gbenga Daniel would be honoured with a Tourism Innovation Award, based on the creativity he brought to the Olumo Rock to meet a unique standard, while Chief Olumide Aderinokun, Chief Toyin Amuzu and Mr Olamide Lawal would also be awarded.
Mr Adeleye said without investments in local production of our needs, the country would continue to find it difficult to maintain a good balance of trade.
According to him, "we can't continue to rely on foreign goods for all our needs. The reality today is that we should produce our own things and stop being only consumers who rely on other countries to survive".
Mr Adeleye said the idea of the Adire fashion show, tagged "Ara Edition" and the fourth in the series is to promote the Adire fabric and raise the consciousness in our people to cherish and be proud of our indigenous fabric".
He added that a special Adire Fabric for the event is out for sale, to make it a colourful funfare.
Mr Adeyemi stressed that Adire was no longer limited to being used as clothing material alone, but also creatively used in different ways and this can boost the economy of the state if properly explored. “You can use it to make varieties of souvenirs like note books, throw pillows, wall arts, lamp stands and backpacks, among others,” he noted.
He also assured, that this year's Ogun Adire Fashion show coming up on September 12, will be quite interesting, as it will feature runway, products exhibition and merit awards while the 2021 Miss Adire International will emerge.
