The Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Ishola Jokotola, has pledged to sponsor the training of 50 youths in the art of adire-making as part of efforts to preserve and promote Yoruba cultural heritage.
The monarch made the promise during the cultural exhibition segment of the 2025 Osun Olojudo Traditional Festival, where artisans in the craft of tie-and-dye, popularly known as adire, showcased their works.
Each displayed fabric, rich in vibrant colours and intricate patterns, was said to carry unique cultural symbols and meanings, reflecting the depth of Yoruba history and creativity.
Oba Jokotola, who personally inspected the various adire designs, described the craft as “a cultural treasure that must be passed down to the younger generation.” He said the free training would not only keep the tradition alive but also provide economic opportunities for the beneficiaries.
The cultural exhibition, a major highlight of the festival, attracted residents and visitors who turned out in colourful attires to celebrate the town’s heritage. Artisans expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience, while community members praised the king’s initiative as a step towards empowering youth and sustaining traditional crafts.
The grand finale of the Osun Olojudo Festival will hold on Saturday, when Oba Jokotola will lead the townspeople to the Osun River shrine in Ido-Osun.
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