Gbagede Ewaede Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation, on Tuesday, implored state governors in Southwest to adopt Adire fabrics as parts of school uniforms for government owned primary and secondary schools.
Mrs Adejoke Somoye, the Convener of the Foundation made the appeal during an interview shortly after the Evening of Culture to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the foundation, held in Abeokuta.
Somoye noted that it was important for the Southwest states and also policy makers to go a step further to salvage Yoruba culture in order for it not to go into extinction.
She described the proposed adoption as an initiative that would further give a unique status to the cultural value of the Yoruba.
The convener called on all stakeholders involved to work assiduously in order to inculcate the wearing of the local fabrics in public school system.
She opined that such was capable of improving the Gross Domestic Product of the states, saying it would result into the diversification from a mono-economic system.
She commended the Ogun government for proposing the idea, adding that machineries should be in place towards commencing the implementation in earnest.
“The untiring efforts and consistency of Gov. Dapo Abiodun in the area of cultural promotion, especially Adire fabrics are well noticed and rated high.
“The foundation respectfully urges the present administration to look inward by commencing its policy statement of adopting Adire as uniform in schools,” she said.
Somoye called on state government to provide enabling environment to encourage the creation and marketing Adire fabrics to the world.
In his remark, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, the Speaker, Ogun House of Assembly, appreciated the foundation for its unrelenting contribution to cultural revitalisation.
Oluomo assured that the state government would not rest on its oars at promoting cultural policies and programmes.
He also noted that the house of assembly would continue to pass bills and resolutions that would bring economic growth to the state.
Highlight of the cultural event was the presentation of “Cultural Icon/ Award of Special recognition” to Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Others who were conferred with the special award included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Otunba Lekan Lukan and Bashorun of Oba land, Chief Olaoluwadipupo Adegbite.
“Non of those in this special category of award is aware of this presentation, these set of people have been the pillar of support for Ewaede cultural foundation. We have gone this far because you stood by us in thick and thin not minding any differences. All of our initiatives have always gotten your massive support and encouragement, hence we must show our deep sense of appreciation to the whole world on a day like this”, the convener remarked.
The foundation equally bestowed awards of honour in various categories on the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Olakunle Oluomo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (Ọjájá II) represented by
HRH Oba Muraina Adedinni, Asoya of Ile-Isoya Ife, multi-national award wining movie producer, Tunde Kelani, the Alake of Egbaland represented by Seriki of Egbaland, Chief Tosin Fadare FCA and Adesina Abiola Paul, amongst others.
Present at the event were the State Commissioners for Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi FCA, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuape, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, Asoju Asa Ile Oodua-Oonirisa,
Oloye Morounranti Asabi,
Chief Segun Sowunmi, Princess Folashade Odumosu amongst others.
