By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The scarcity of foreign exchange (FX) putting pressure on the Naira due to a shortage in foreign earnings from crude oil and others may soon be a thing of the past if the federal government looks into the textile industry.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is advising all the critical stakeholders to pay attention to the Adire fabric as a possible way to generate forex enough to transform the Nigerian economy.
Speaking over the weekend at the Adire Lagos Experience organised by Ecobank Nigeria, the respected traditional ruler said the fabric can also boost the nation’s tourism sector, which will, in turn, bring about FX inflows into Nigeria.
“I am really impressed with what I’ve seen here today. I have seen real tourism potential that needs to be explored by others. If as a country we look inward, we would discover that our tourism advantages are enormous and desire immediate attention.
“We can create exportable merchandise if we join hands to boost our potential, we would not be looking up to foreign currency to boost our economy,” the first-class monarch stated.
“As one of the pioneer promoters of Adire, I am positive that it can boost the county’s tourism industry because it has what it takes to meet international textile standards.
“The unique thing about Adire production is that everything is assembled locally – raffias, ropes, bamboos, chemicals are gotten from our forest. We do not need to import anything,” he said further.
The spiritual head of the Yoruba race commended Ecobank for staging the three-day Adire exhibition from June 10 to 12 in Lagos, urging others to emulate the financial institution in encouraging indigenous entrepreneurs so that more Nigerians could explore locally made investments.
“Our banks and corporate bodies should show their support by displaying our Adire in their banks, make their staff wear them on specific days. Even beyond our Adire fabric, we can promote locally made shoes, wristwatches, bags, cars, jewellery, and several other products,” the royal father stated.
He advised traditional leaders to encourage entrepreneurs with financial support and grants.
“I advise our leaders to begin to get sensitive and passionate about things that are produced in Nigeria. All other companies and organisations should pick one thing and promote it so that the country can grow organically.
“We also need to support our media that are really projecting these potentials to the world by involving them fully,” he said.
The traditional ruler then condemned imitation of Adire by other countries, saying there is a great difference between the locally made products and imitation.
“The durability cannot be compared, we have taken up this challenge locally and with the support of our ancestors coupled with our long-standing knowledge, nobody can take away our patent rights from us,” he said.
Several Adire admirers converged on the exhibition venue; Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) to witness, make orders and purchase choices attires in different styles.
The highlight of the event was a practical master class on Adire production, organised by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, a cultural ambassador to Ooni of Ife. At the exhibition, there were different genres of Yoruba music; an infusion of local food; and a mild atmospheric branding infusion of a wide variety of Adire into the setting which created a nostalgic mood.
Ecobank supported the Adire event, proving its Pan African nature and reconfirming its support for the growth of indigenous culture, tourism, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Adire textile is an indigo-dyed cloth made by using different wax resist methods to create dazzling designs. Adire comes in a variety of textures such as silk, chiffon, cotton, and polyester and are made fashionable in both English and traditional styles.
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