Earlier this week, Ekiti State Executive Council (EXCO) members visited the Adire Ekiti Hub, where they commended the empowerment initiatives of the state’s First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
Dr Oyebanji expressed her gratitude to the EXCO members for visiting the hub and highlighted its achievements, stating that over 400 youths from the Ekiti Central and Southern Senatorial Districts have been trained and empowered, with an additional 200 youths from the Ekiti South Senatorial District set to commence training soon.
She revealed that demand for adire products has surged, both within the state and in the diaspora, due to their distinct quality and cultural significance. The hub has also established a sustainable arrangement by purchasing finished products from the youths, thereby supporting their business growth and providing a viable alternative to handouts.
Dr Oyebanji encouraged the EXCO members to embrace and promote the locally made products, which proudly showcase the state’s cultural heritage.
Leading the delegation, Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs.) Habibat Adubiaro praised the initiative as impressive, encouraging, and impactful. She pledged that the EXCO members would facilitate training and empowerment for youths in their respective constituencies and promote adire fabrics in government functions and events to further boost the visibility and viability of the local textile industry.
The EXCO members lauded the hub’s positive impact on the state’s socio-economic development. They also expressed a desire to partner with Adire Ekiti Hub to intensify youth empowerment, encourage sustainable MSMEs, promote indigenous textile crafts, and enhance the economic potential of the craft in the modern market.