The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, on Friday says Ogun Government’ promotion of Adire fabric will help boost the nation’s economy.
Runsewe said this in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Frank Meke, made available to newsmen in Lagos.
According to him, the pronouncement by Gov. Dapo Abiodun to adopt Adire fabrics as official uniform for all the students in Ogun State remained the very critical and visible engagement to support cultural awareness and creativity.”
This is needed in order to sustain the emergence of the Adire heritage economy and empower rural development.
“I am the happiest Nigerian today and I must thank Ogun state governor for joining us to showcase the Adire heritage fabrics.” I also commend the government for adopting it as school uniform for students in Ogun State, including its use by government officials and in all activities of government businesses.” This is the way to go as it will benefit the rural economy, empower women and youths and help in historical revival of heritage teachings and knowledge.”
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I have found a soulmate in Gov. Abiodun on the strategic campaign to promote indigenous fabrics as national dress code, thus showcasing Nigeria’s iconic cultural heritage,” Runsewe said.
He said that the fabric was also adopted as golf attire, laptop bags, and facemasks as part of the protocols for new normal COVID-19 pandemic.
Runsewe said it was also on national colours for specially made suits for international outings for exhibitions and marketing Nigerian cultural tourism opportunities.
“The fabric is usually used as flags, neck and wrist wears, with diplomatic communities generously gifted and presented with various varieties and qualities of our local heritage fabrics,” he said.
During the flag-off of Adire Digital Market, in Abeokuta on June 21, Gov. Abiodun of Ogun, advocated the promotion of Nigerian indigenous fabrics to the world.
Abiodun said that Adire fabrics could be adopted as national colour wears for athletes.
He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Culture and Information counterpart, should buy into the agenda to use Adire fabrics to market Nigeria to the outside world.
The governor said that the state was ready and willing to partner with all Federal Government agencies in sports and culture to promote the Adire fabrics economy.
Abiodun said the state was also ready to help grow Adire entrepreneurs, empower women, youths and expose the limitless cultural endowments in Ogun state.