From Jimoh Balogun
There was excitement in the air on Saturday as the first batch of 200 trainees of Adire Ekiti showcased their works which elicited commendation from the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
Dr. Oyebanji came around to witness the closing ceremony of their one week intensive training on the production of Adire fabrics in partnership with Nike Art Gallery/Nike Art Foundation during which the trainees displayed many colourful products they produced themselves.
The excited trainees showcased their products to the First Lady at the Adire Ekiti Hub commending her and her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for empowering them with skills, knowledge and business opportunity they can build on.
Some of them presented the products to the First Lady as gifts in appreciation of providing them with platform to learn the craft and provide them with an opportunity to be job creators.
The First Lady who was excited by the speed with which the trainees who were selected from Ekiti Central Senatorial District had learnt the intricacies of Adire fabrics production said she and her husband, Governor Oyebanji, who are the sponsors of the training would not allow the knowledge acquired to waste away.
She disclosed that start-up kits which comprise of materials needed for the trade would be given to the trainees to give them a lift adding that arrangements are also ongoing to provide them with access to credit facilities.
Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that the products would be displayed at the gallery of Adire Ekiti Hub for display for tourists and visitors from any parts of Nigeria and beyond as a testament to the fact that Ekiti has created its own brand of Adire fabrics and a viable market for the product.
While assuring that the state government would provide opportunities to market the products, Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that excess products can be returned to Adire Ekiti Hub to be purchased from from the trainees to empower them.
She commended the instructors for their sacrifices in imparting knowledge on the trainees charging them to always produce quality products to enhance their market value.
Speaking at the event, former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who is the donor of the training centre, expressed delight that the Adire Ekiti Hub has eventually produced fruit.
He commended Governor Oyebanji and his wife for providing the youths of the state with an opportunity for empowerment saying the couple is making history and immortalizing themselves in the hearts of the people.
Senator Ojudu enjoined the beneficiaries to remain focused and grow in the craft they had just learned noting that the Hub would always be available for them to come and work at anytime they wish.
The lead instructor for the training scheme, Mr. Femi Ologe, advised the beneficiaries to sustain interest in the vocation which he said can take them to anywhere in the world as demand for Adire products keep increasing.
He urged Dr. Oyebanji to do everything within her power to ensure the sustenance of the legacy of Adire Ekiti Hub until the state become a large market for the products attracting buyers from within and outside Nigeria.
