• As State commences festival in December

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

In a bid to elevate Adire acceptability to international standard, Osun State Government has disclosed that the annual festival would be given legal backing in conjunction with the House of Assembly.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye while briefing newsmen on the state of readiness for the 2025 annual Adire festival, which would hold next month.

He added that the law would not just ensure the sustainability of the festival but also endear corporate organisations to partner with government to uplift the event subsequently.

“The World knows that the source of Adire fabrics is Osun State and the festival is not just for us to take ownership of Adire but to diversify Osun economy and also create opportunities for youths and artisans across sectors.

“We are trying to enact a law in the State in conjunction with the House of Assembly to ensure sustainability of the festival beyond our administration in the interest of the state and for a better partnership plan for the future.

“The Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration is also preparing to build business hubs for those in the Adire industry with expanding the capability, capacity and attract investment to the sector and ensure that the State benefits more from the gains of the festival”, he added.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Ebenezer Adeniji said the festival was meant to unlock the cultural potential in the state to allow the youths deplore their talent to creative enterprises.

“Let us remember that culture is a means of creating an alternative economy for any State. When we invest in our creative people, especially the young, we weave resilience into our communities. The Adire of Osun is more than cloth. It is an instrument of identity, a potential engine of jobs, and a promise to the next generation that their heritage will be a foundation for their future, not a relic of the past. To the youth here today, claim this space. Learn the craft and remake it. Build businesses that honour your lineage and engage the world” he said.

Also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Economy, Events and Entertainment, Mr Laface disclosed that Adire Osun festival is a project that would not only project culture but also enhance the State’s internally generated revenue tremendously.

“Adire Osun Festival is a major Legacy project that will not only catalyse our IGR as exemplied in Ogun and Cross River State respectively, but will also create empowerment employment and engagement for our teeming Youth population in Osun State”, he added.