Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed all public servants in the state to wear Adire to work every Wednesday to promote Nigerian culture.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the directive was contained in a circular issued by the state’s Head of Service (HoS), Ayanleye Aina, yesterday, in Osogbo.
The circular said the directive affected all categories of public servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), tertiary institutions, local councils, local council development areas and area offices.
“Consequently, every Wednesday is adopted as Adire Osun Day with all accounting officers and heads of agencies expected to comply with the directive.
“Additionally, all political appointees are also expected to comply with the directive from the State Executive Council to special advisers, and other categories of appointees,” the circular said.
Aina said the governor presented the issue of wearing Adire during the last State Executive Council meeting and it was unanimously approved and adopted.
He quoted Adeleke as saying that Adire actually had its source from Osun, noting that the new decision will reassert the traditional claim of Osun to the adire genre.
“The governor recalled his meeting with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, where the duo resolved to host yearly Adire Day celebration.
“Adeleke further announced his administration’s plan to create mini-industrial clusters to support the Adire industry and other craft sub-sectors in the state.
“Our administration is working on the creation of SME industrial clusters.
“The Adire and other craft sub-sectors will be supported to grow and flourish.
“By this decision, we are determined to rebuild the Adire industry that is under threat from foreign mass producers.
“We are poised to breathe life into our culture with Osun State as the cradle of the Yoruba nation,” he said.
It would be recalled that Adeleke’s predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, had on July 11, 2021, directed all civil servants to wear Adire every Thursday to boost the fabric industry.
