The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on the 135 young men and women who completed the just-concluded Adire training programme to put their newly acquired skills to practical use, stressing that diligence, collaboration, and innovation are key to transforming the initiative into a sustainable means of livelihood.
Dr. Oyebanji gave the charge on Friday at the closing ceremony of the five-day intensive training in Adire making, held at the Ekiti Adire Hub. The training was sponsored by the Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunso Adebiyi.
The First Lady, who described Adire as both an economic empowerment tool and a cultural heritage, urged the participants to form production clusters, build strong networks, and support one another as they venture into the textile market.
“If you receive bulk Adire work, feel free to return here to the Hub and carry it out. Together, you can create stronger brands, access bigger markets, and lift your families out of poverty. The future is brighter when we work hand in hand”. She said.
She further assured the trainees of government’s continued support through the Adire Hub, noting that such initiatives align with the administration’s broader vision of empowering citizens with sustainable skills and reducing unemployment.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor in charge of the Adire Hub, Mrs. Remi Adefemi, emphasized that the training was carefully designed to provide beneficiaries with hands-on knowledge and entrepreneurial orientation.
According to her, the skills acquired would not only open doors of economic opportunities but also promote self-reliance and long-term well-being.
Goodwill messages were delivered by key dignitaries, including Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye Former Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi.
They all commended the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to maximize the rare opportunity by putting their training into practice, thereby creating wealth for themselves and contributing to the local economy.
The event, which attracted captains of industry and other stakeholders, also featured the formal empowerment of the trainees with starter packs to aid their take-off in the textile business.