It was an assemblage of cultural groups, artisans, entrepreneurs and Yoruba tradition promoters at the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, during the 2019 end of the year anniversary and maiden edition of Adire Carnival.
The programme, which was an advocacy for the return to the indigenous technology, has “reviving our cultural heritage as a means of boosting Nigerian economy” as its theme.
In his welcome address, the Director of the center, Prof Siyan Oyeweso highlighted the hiden economic potentials in returning to cultural attires, adding that individuals, state and the country stand chances to benefit from the technology.
Oyeweso said, “Adire and other traditional attires have huge economic potentials that can turn around fortunes of the country and its people. We have gathered here to showcase this and also call on government at all levels to look into it.
“Firstly, we call on governments of all southwestern states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti to look into using these Attires as uniforms for primary and secondary school students; for official use and others. These, we believe will not only promote the Yoruba cultural heritage but also serve as a way of providing jobs opportunities for citizenry,” he added.
Oyeweso said the center on the leadership of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the Board Chairman will be ready to partner with individuals, groups or governments to promote the cultural heritage, adding that “it’s high time Nigeria shunned dependency on foreign dresses.”
Also speaking at the event, a former Secretary to State Government in Osun, Alh Kazeem Adio described the Adire Carnival as a mean of reawakening the eroding Yoruba cultural dress.
He said apart from cultural promotion, it’s economic importance cannot be overemphasized. We can only call on the government and private sectors as this indigenous technology can turn around the fortunes the country.
Highlights of the event are cultural display, presentation of award of excellence to people that have distinguished themselves in promotion of Yoruba culture and presentations by different groups.
