Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state has announced that Civil Servants in the state will soon start wearing Adire to work. He made the remarks during the state’s International Fashion Week in Osogbo.

The governor said the project was part of efforts to protect and promote the production of Adire Osun as well as strengthen the image of Osun as a culturally correct and indigenous product orientated state.

The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government; Wole Oyebamiji, started mass production, promotion and marketing of Adire.

He said the International Fashion Week and the establishment of Adire Osun were no doubt significant efforts towards diversifying the state’s economy and providing jobs for the teeming youths.

Mr Oyetola said the state government had teamed with Musty Great Development and Alexandria Jones Couture, United States of America, to arrange the International Fashion Week for the promotion of the Osun brand of Adire for global exhibition.

“Adire is indigenous to Osun and it is not for nothing that Osogbo, the capital, is referred to as ‘Ilu Aro’ (Home of dye),” the governor remarked.

Mr Oyetola also urged the citizens to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the project.

He said his administration was devoted to fostering and showcasing culture to the world in a way that would draw attention and attract tremendous income to the state.

“In furtherance of efforts of this government to conserve and promote the production of Adire Osun as well as strengthen the image of Osun as a culturally correct and indigenous product orientated state, every Thursday has been named Adire Osun Day.

“Consequently, commencing from August 27, 2021, all public and civil officials in the state shall wear Adire to work,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Adebisi Obawale, said the program was aimed at unlocking the latent potential in the fields of culture, fashion and tourism.

Mr Obawale said the goal was to develop marketing channels via which Adire products would be produced, promoted and marketed globally.

Residents of the state were advised to embrace the development and to brace up to their responsibilities by promoting their cultural heritage to the outside world.

This is really commendable! How would you feel if asked to dress in Adire to your place?