Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the formation of a National Adire Association and the creation of a permanent hub for the indigenous textile industry. He believes the centuries-old Adire fabric tradition can become a significant driver for Nigeria's economic diversification away from oil.
During the fifth Ecobank Adire Lagos experience, Obasanjo urged industry stakeholders to organize into a national body. This body would be responsible for preserving, promoting, and commercializing one of Nigeria's most recognized cultural products.
Obasanjo noted that previous attempts to form such an association failed due to internal disagreements. However, he stressed the continued relevance and necessity of the initiative, suggesting a national structure with units in Kano, Maiduguri, and Osogbo, and a central headquarters in Abeokuta.
He described the development of the Adire industry as a national responsibility that transcends regional and ethnic boundaries. The former president also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and skills associated with Adire production amidst the younger generation's focus on formal education and urban careers.
Furthermore, Obasanjo pointed to the tourism potential of the Adire industry, suggesting that production centers could become cultural destinations attracting both domestic and international visitors. This aligns with current efforts by policymakers and private-sector players to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s creative economy and cultural industries for non-oil growth.
Bolaji Lawal, managing director and Regional executive of Ecobank Nigeria, responded on behalf of stakeholders, confirming their willingness to collaborate on the initiative. He noted the expanding interest in Adire beyond Nigeria, with participants from countries like Canada, Ghana, and other parts of Africa engaging with the industry.
Obasanjo nominated himself as the Grand Patron of the proposed initiative and urged stakeholders to establish a dedicated facility, referring to it as 'Adire House'. Lawal informed him that such a facility already exists, reinforcing Obasanjo's commitment to supporting the cause.
Beyond industry organization and tourism, Obasanjo advocated for integrating Adire-making into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, particularly in technical schools. This would help preserve traditional knowledge while fostering skills development and entrepreneurship.
The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, featured over 100 exhibitors from Nigeria and across Africa. The event aimed to promote indigenous textile production, support SMEs, create market opportunities for African creatives, and preserve cultural heritage.
