Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, yesterday unveiled a local fabrics empowerment scheme and training centre, Adire Ekiti Hub, to give economic empowerment to the unemployed and widows in the state.
A total of 200 beneficiaries drawn from Ekiti Central senatorial district began the training sponsored by the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his wife in partnership with the Nike Okundaye Art Foundation. Two batches of 200 participants each drawn from Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts are to commence training by next week.
The Adire Ekiti Hub, which has the main building and workshop, was inaugurated by the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi with the governor, the first lady and other guests present.
The First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji, said the Adire Ekiti would benefit the state in the areas of provision of sustainable livelihoods, promotion of entrepreneurship, creation of opportunities for economic empowerment and preservation of cultural heritage in the Land of Honour.
The governor’s wife, who is also the initiator of Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, said she envisioned “a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State.”
The beneficiaries are expected to undergo two weeks intensive training on the intricacies of tie and dye at the training facility dedicated for the project which was unveiled by Governor Oyebanji as part of the events of the day.
The building housing the Adire Ekiti Hub was donated by the former lawmaker representing Ekiti Central senatorial district in the National Assembly and immediate past Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
But Mrs. Oyebanji said the opening of the Adire Ekiti Hub marked the beginning of a new chapter for the people of the state which holds the promise of long term benefits for the beneficiaries, local economy and building a brighter future for the coming generations.
She said: “The Adire Ekiti Hub represents a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration. It is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation and building a brighter future for the people of Ekiti State.”
On his own, the governor said: “The government cannot give everybody employment; it is good to be educated, your education will prepare you to do better in whatever area of life you find yourself so, don’t see this as a share of the national cake. The challenges we have with programmes like this would be put behind you to ensure that you overcome them.”
Also, the wife of the Ooni, Olori Ogunwusi, said Adire Ekiti is a platform for capacity development, skills acquisition, job creation and wealth creation in addition to being a major part of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Meanwhile, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Nike Art Foundation, Chief Nike Okundaye, described Adire Ekiti as “the next big thing that will happen in creative economy,” stressing her readiness to assist in ensuring the growth of the hub to prominence and a springboard for empowerment in local craft.
