The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving cultural heritage and expanding economic opportunities, as Governor Ademola Adeleke officially declared the Adire Osun Festival an annual celebration aimed at boosting creativity, tourism, and youth empowerment across the state.
Speaking at the World Media Conference for the Adire Osun Festival 2025, the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, said Governor Adeleke’s decision underscores the administration’s dedication to cultural preservation and economic growth. He explained that the festival would not only showcase the historic Adire textile but would also serve as a launchpad for local artisans, designers and entrepreneurs.
“This festival is a testament to Osun’s rich heritage,” Igbalaye said, noting that it is expected to attract tourists, stimulate the local economy, and engage thousands of young people in creative enterprise.
The Chairman of the Osun Council for Arts and Culture, Hon. Ebenezer Adeniji, emphasized that the festival’s theme, “Creating Wealth, Empowering Youths,” captures the heart of the initiative.
Adeniji said the essence of the Adire Osun project goes beyond colours and cloth, describing it as “a living archive and a powerful engine of identity, creativity, and economic hope.”
He added that wealth creation within cultural industries must prioritize dignity, sustainability, and economic inclusion for artisans.
According to him, “When an Adire artist earns steadily, households are strengthened and communities prosper.”
Adeniji disclosed that the governor had approved the training of 25 youths in each of the state’s 332 wards as part of efforts to build a new generation of designers, marketers, and cultural entrepreneurs. He noted that creativity must be matched with access to finance, logistics, digital tools, branding opportunities, and partnerships with global fashion houses.
He said the media also has a critical role, stressing that telling compelling stories about artisans and youth-led enterprises would “attract investment and expand markets.”
In his own remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Economy, Events and Entertainment, Hon. Tunde Laface, described the festival as a landmark cultural revolution that has already empowered over 1,000 Adire producers, designers, craftsmen, and creatives.
“Today defines the success of the Adire Osun Festival project,” he said.
Laface outlined major activities for the 2025 edition, including the Adire Osun Export Summit on December 19 and the grand Adire Osun Street Carnival slated for December 20.
The street carnival, which he described as a “Yorucentric parade of heritage,” will feature iconic floats celebrating Yoruba symbols such as Arugba of Osogbo, Oriolokun of Ile-Ife, Sango of Edeland, and the legendary warrior Ogedengbe of Ijesaland. The procession will stretch from Olaiya Junction through major roads in Osogbo, returning to Freedom Park for a night-long concert featuring top artistes and cultural performers.
Laface noted that in ensuring safety and smooth operation of the festival, government agencies would provide security, traffic control, and emergency services throughout the duration of events.
He added that the festival draws inspiration from globally recognized cultural events such as the Calabar Carnival, Ojude Oba Festival, and the Osun Osogbo Festival, noting that these models have proven capacity for economic transformation.
He appealed to the governor to declare December 20, 2025, as Adire Day in Osun State.
The organizers expressed optimism that the Adire Osun Festival will strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue, deepen youth engagement, and position Osun as a hub of creativity and cultural tourism.
“Welcome to the future,” Laface told journalists. “Be part of this visionary legacy.”
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