Stakeholders call for intensified promotion of art, culture to end unemployment, poverty

Promotion of art and culture especially, locally made fabrics in Adire has been identified as one sure way to ending unemployment and poverty plaguing the African society and its people.

It was also averred that embracing Adire (tie and dye) would probably eradicate prevailent youths restivenes which is now the order of the day.

These assertions were on the front burner as stakeholders discussed promotion of art and culture while presenting goodwill messages at a cultural fashion show organised by Aji-Tos African World Limited in conjunction with Adire Eleko Osun.

Tagged “Idi-Aro cultural fashion show”, the event which was held on Sunday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, brought together the creme de la creme in cultural industry, especially those who have made their mark in Adire production.

The event featured Adire runway sessions, cultural dances, Adire exhibition tour, ewi and awards presentations in recognition of individuals who have paid their dues in promotion of art and culture both locally and internationally.

The keynote speaker at the occasion, the Director General, Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, a professor of history, Siyan Oyeweso spoke on, the origin, significance and the benefits inherent in Aro (dye) and Adire and the need for all to embrace it.

Prof. Siyan also delved into socoeconomic benefits of Adire production, and while it must be improved upon to exhibit the beauty in it.

The co-Director, Aji-Tos African World limited, Mr. Ganiyu Ibikunle said Adire industry, being a multi million naira spinning business must be given special and the deserved attention, adding that this was why Aji-Tos was making frantic efforts towards its promotion.

A cultural icon, Chief Jimoh Buraimo who acknowledged that the organisers must have committed a huge monetary, material and human resources into the cultural show encouraged other stakeholders to take a cue from what Aji-Tos African World limited was doing and the sector would be better for it.

He urged Africans to always cherish indigenous products such as Adire which is an identity capable of carving a niche for them everywhere they go and may be.

Other speakers at the events including, the State curator, National Museum and Monuments, Prince Adekunle Fatai; renowned drummer, chief Muraina Oyelami and also the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Osun State believed that there were a lot of potentials in Adire industry to tap for generation of wealth, saying Nigerians have no reason to be poor if properly harnessed.

The event was climaxed with different fashion parades showcasing beautiful attires made in Adire fabrics and other wears including shoes and bags.

Four distinguished personalities including the renowned promoter of art and culture, Chief Nike Okundaye popularly known as Nike Gallery; Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Mama Ile-Aka Alaro, Madam Rafatu Akanni as well the General Manager, Osun CSDA, Mrs Funmilayo Abokede bagged awards of excellence in recognition of their contributions to promotion of art and culture.