By Beulah Odijie 

Dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts and fashion influencers,  converged on the Oriental Hotel Waterfront, Lagos, at the weekend for the Àjoyò Guinness World Records® Attempt, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s iconic Adire fabric as a global cultural symbol.

The event, organised under the #Àjoyò2026 initiative, sought to break the record for the “Most Photos of People Wearing Adire Patterned Clothing.”

Participants turned out in large numbers, adorned in different styles of the traditional indigo-dyed textile, transforming the venue into a colourful display of Adire designs.

Speaking at the event, representative of Àjoyò, Olabukola Olajuwon, said the initiative was designed to spotlight indigenous craftsmanship and encourage wider acceptance of locally made fabrics.

Her words: “The record attempt was created to spotlight indigenous craftsmanship and encourage wider appreciation for locally produced textiles. Officials monitored designated counting zones to ensure strict compliance with guidelines set by Guinness World Records.”

Among dignitaries present were  wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi; Managing Director, CardForte, Tunde Aka Bashorun;  Divisional Head, Digital Banking, Providus Bank, 

 Elliot Sangoleye;  Executive Director ProvidusBank,  Deoye Ojuroye, and Wife of Executive Director ,Dasola Ojuroye, among others.

Also in attendance were government representatives including  Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Establishments and Training, Oluwatoyin Atanda-Rufai,;  Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Culture and Tourism,Prince Bola Basibo and Zainab Oluwabusola Idowu of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Organisers said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to position Adire as a key element of Nigeria’s cultural identity and lifestyle on the global stage.