The President of the Adire Eleko Osun Association, Osun State, Mr. Ganiyu Ibikunle, has again raised concerns over the persistent lack of government funding for its Facility Hub.
The hub, according to him has the potential to generate billions of naira in revenue for Osun State and can create massive employment opportunities for the youth.
Mr. Ibikunle expressed dissatisfaction that the Osun State Government continues to channel public funds into other unproductive projects while consistently failing to allocate any budgetary support for the Adire Osun Common Facility Hub in the State’s annual financial plan.
“This neglect becomes even more troubling as the current administration appears more focused on organizing Adire Festivals, funded twice between September and December 2025 with millions of naira rather than supporting the real stakeholders whose productivity sustains the industry.
“The creation of the Adire Osun Common Facility Hub remains the most strategic path to boosting production capacity and generating employment for thousands of youths.
“For years, stakeholders have appealed for meaningful government intervention to establish the Adire Osun Common Facility Hub. The hub would: Transform unemployed youths into skilled, employable creators; Boost the state’s internally generated revenue; empower over 200,000 youths across the Adire value chain as well as promote Adire Osun Textiles both locally and internationally”, Mr Ibikunle said.
The President of Adire Eleko Osun noted that while the Ogun State Government, has consistently supported its Adire industry through MSME loans, construction of an ultra-modern Adire Mall, strengthening of Adire cooperatives, and improved market access.
He said the reverse is the case in Osun State where government funds are prioritized for festivals instead of enhancing production capacity or creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The Association therefore called on the Osun State Government under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, to answer a crucial question as to why the government was investing heavily in festivals and jamborees with no tangible benefits to Adire stakeholders or the youths of the State?
The Adire Eleko Osun Association reiterates that public funds must not be wasted on white-elephant projects, especially when the state is widely known as “The Home of Adire.”
“The Association has demonstrated unwavering support since the inception of Governor Adeleke’s administration and remains committed to working collaboratively to fully develop the Adire industry in Osun State. However, meaningful progress cannot occur without genuine government investment.
“We call on all Adire makers across Osun State to rise, stand firm, and demand their rights as citizens whose livelihoods and cultural heritage deserve protection, respect, and sustainable support, he stated.
