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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state as a vibrant hub for textile creativity and cultural tourism through the promotion of Adire craftsmanship.
Speaking at the World Media Conference held at the Governor’s Office on Monday, Governor Adeleke, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Festival Committee, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, said the state had formally declared the Adire festival an annual cultural landmark aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Osun’s textile heritage.
He disclosed that the 2025 edition of the festival would spotlight the state’s historical connection to Aro and Adire fabrics, noting that the event has been strategically designed to deliver far-reaching developmental gains.
These, he said, include stimulating local commerce, expanding tourism activities and creating sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
According to the Governor, Adire promotion is not merely a celebration of cultural identity but a “strategic economic pathway” capable of strengthening households and supporting small-scale enterprises across the state.
He highlighted the major components of the forthcoming festival such as the Adire Osun Ambassadors Launch, the Adire Osun Fashion Couture, the Adire Export Summit and a grand Street Carnival, which are expected to showcase indigenous designs and connect local creators to global markets.
“These components will position Osun as a competitive player in the national and international creative space,” he assured.
He added that his administration is committed to transforming the state into a thriving entertainment and creativity hub.
Governor Adeleke appealed to stakeholders, investors and media professionals to support the festival’s rollout, stressing that collective participation is essential to strengthening the state’s cultural evolution and driving long-term economic impact.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Osun Council for Arts and Culture, Hon. Ebenezer Adeniji, said the festival’s theme, “Creating Wealth, Empowering Youths,” reflects the government’s unwavering resolve to convert cultural assets into real economic value.
He described Adire as a “living archive,” noting that its stories, colours and techniques embody both identity and opportunity for the younger generation.
Adeniji commended Governor Adeleke for approving the training of 25 youths in each of Osun’s 332 wards, stressing that skill acquisition, business mentorship and digital access are indispensable tools for nurturing a resilient creative economy.
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