Ekiti Gov’s Wife Unveils Local Fabrics Empowerment Scheme
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has inaugurated the Adire Ekiti Hub recently, introducing a local fabrics empowerment scheme and training centre aimed at providing economic empowerment to the unemployed and widows in the state.
In collaboration with the Nike Okundaye Art Foundation, the initiative, sponsored by Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, has already commenced training for 200 beneficiaries from Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Two additional batches of 200 participants each from Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts are set to begin training next week.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by esteemed guests including the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, marked the official launch of the Adire Ekiti Hub. The main building and workshop facilities were inaugurated to the admiration of the governor, the governor’s wife, and other dignitaries present.
Dr. Oyebanji, the governor’s wife and the initiator of Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, emphasized the potential impact of Adire Ekiti on the state. She stated, “The Adire Ekiti would benefit the state in the areas of provision of sustainable livelihoods, promotion of entrepreneurship, creation of opportunities for economic empowerment, and preservation of cultural heritage in the Land of Honour.”
The beneficiaries will undergo a two-week intensive training on tie and dye techniques at the dedicated training facility, inaugurated by Governor Oyebanji as part of the day’s events. The Adire Ekiti Hub building was generously donated by Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
Governor Oyebanji, addressing the beneficiaries, urged them to seize the opportunity for self-sustenance and productivity. He emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities and stated, “The Adire Ekiti Hub represents a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration. It is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a brighter future for the people of Ekiti State.”
Senator Ojudu commended the governor and his wife for their commitment to empowering ordinary citizens, stating, “The wealth of the nation lies in the skills of its people.”
Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, the wife of the Ooni, highlighted Adire Ekiti as a platform for capacity development, skills acquisition, job creation, and wealth creation, in addition to being a vital part of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Chief Nike Okundaye, Founder/CEO of Nike Art Foundation, described Adire Ekiti as “the next big thing that will happen in the creative economy.” She pledged the full support of her Foundation in ensuring the success and growth of the hub, emphasizing Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership in rewriting a new chapter in the Ekiti story. Mrs. Nneka Moses of Goge Africa represented Chief Nike Okundaye during the ceremony.
