Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has expressed delight with the impact of Adire Ekiti, a local fabrics production scheme, within one month of its launch in the Land of Honour.
Dr. Oyebanji said interest shown by prospective buyers of the Adire Ekiti fabrics within the last one month has been tremendous and encouraging noting that a vibrant market for the product has just been established.
The First Lady who spoke on Wednesday at the Adire Ekiti Hub in Ado Ekiti while distributing start-up working tools and cash support to 200 trainees from Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts.
She stated that since the training and production of fabrics began at the Adire Ekiti Hub, individuals, associations, corporate organizations and trade unions have been requesting for the products adding that the demands for the products have put Ekiti on the world map.
Apart from interests shown from outside the country, Dr. Oyebanji revealed that demands for the products have been pouring in from every quarter.
Each of the start-up kits distributed to the beneficiaries include dye of different colours, clothing materials and a sum of N25,000 to beneficiaries for the purchase of other basic necessities for the trade
She showered encomium on her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for the tremendous support for the Adire Ekiti project in sponsoring the scheme, buying the products and personally wearing them as a form of advertisement to people within and outside the state.
Dr. Oyebanji charged the beneficiaries of the training scheme to make the most of the opportunity to grow their businesses, empower themselves, create a vibrant clientele and also train others, especially school pupils and students who will soon commence their holidays.
“This Adire is putting Ekiti on the world map. People have been showing interest in buying Adire Ekiti products from places like Lagos and even outside the country. We have given you this platform which is capable of launching you into greatness,” she said.
The donor of the facility that houses Adire Ekiti Hub, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the scheme for self development, job creation and building an economic base for themselves.
The former lawmaker who represented Ekiti Central in the Seventh Senate disclosed that the Hub had already received a request to produce 1,000 pieces of Adire fabrics for a celebration outside the country.
According to him, government jobs cannot get to everybody noting that Adire Ekiti has offered an opportunity to take the beneficiaries out of poverty, unemployment, misery and want.
He hailed the Ekiti first couple for providing the platform for the beneficiaries.
The Chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Oluwasegun Ojo, hailed the impact of Adire Ekiti on the grassroots economy.
Hon. Ojo, who is also the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, said the First Lady has established an economic structure that will attract further investment in Ekiti youths and local market.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Chief Ronke Okusanya, said Governor Oyebanji and his wife have unearthed gems through the scheme urging the beneficiaries to unleash their enterprising potentials and become great in the vocation.
The beneficiaries also received certificates of completion of the Adire training from the First Lady.