Former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Najeem Awodele, has urged the federal and state governments to support indigenous textile and fabric industries in order to boost the growth and export of local clothing materials, especially Adire.

This, according to Awodele, would contribute to the nation’s economic development and stability.

Awodele stated this on Thursday at the 2nd National Adire Festival held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, in Ogun State.

The former minister maintained that in order to fully realize the sector’s potential and inspire women and youths to pursue it, cooperation between business organizations, indigenous Adire producers and all tiers of government is needed.

Delivering his address at the festival themed, ‘Empowering Youths and Women for Economic Viability’, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, represented by Orunto of Owu, Chief Biodun Lashile, explained that the event is a rallying point for stakeholders in the Adire fabric sector to discuss and seek the best economic pathway to make the industry attractive and for sustainability.

Other speakers such as Dr. Tunde Adegbola, Mr. Lasun Somoye, and Prof. Braide, opined that the government should increase local content in the production chains to support the Adire fabric industry.

They stressed that importing inputs used in Adire production does not promote sustainability.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director of Asani and Aduke Foundation, Dr. Ronke Adeboyejo, stated that the festival’s theme was apt and aimed at sustaining the industry by encouraging young men and women in the sector.

Adire: Stakeholders urge govt to support indigenous textile industry