The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday declared that Adire fabric would become official school uniform in all public schools in the state, starting from next term.
The governor also called on the Federal Government to adopt Adire as attire for national events and as a cultural symbol in the nation’s foreign missions.
Abiodun made the call during the inauguration of the Ogun Adire Digital Market Place at the June 12 Cultural centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
He said, “For us in Ogun State and starting from next term, plans are on to make Adire an integral part of school uniform fabric for our public primary and secondary schools.
“Plans have reached advanced stage to make Adire an important aspect of everyday life, as all top government functionaries in the state now wear Adire on Fridays, just as plans are underway to make the Adire part of school uniform.
“It will empower more people and further stimulate the Adire economy. I want to call on all stakeholders in the information, culture and tourism sectors to partner us in promoting this national heritage.
“I want to particularly call on our Honourable Minister of Information and Culture to help promote Adire at the national level. For example, members of the Federal Executive Council and other top government functionaries can adopt Adire for national events. Our foreign missions can also adopt Adire fabric as a cultural symbol that will further project our rich culture to the outside world. Same thing could also be done by our Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports by making the ceremonial dress of our athletes from local fabrics such as our Adire.
“This will go a long way in promoting the local contents and give expression to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s ‘produce what we use and grow what we eat’ policies.”
The Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, in his address, applauded Ogun State for making efforts to showcase Adire at the international arena, saying it was in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who described Adire as foreign exchange earner, also harped on proper the handling of the chemicals used in producing Adire, noting that the chemicals could pose health hazards.
Punch