Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has charged beneficiaries of the ongoing Adire Training Programme in the state to maximize their full potentials by embracing the initiative with passion in order to be able to compete favourably on the global stage.
Dr. Oyebanji gave the charge while flagging off the training of another batch of trainees under the programme at the Adire Ekiti Hub along Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti.
She reiterated the commitment of government and stakeholders to supporting initiatives that empower citizens, strengthen the cultural economy and position Ekiti as a hub of creativity and innovation.
The Wife of the Governor who is also the convener of the Adire Ekiti Initiative acknowledged the partnership of Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who is sponsoring 35 trainees, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, who is sponsoring 100 trainees.
She described their contributions as an investment in people that would yield dividends for the 135 participants and the state at large.
“This Adire training programme is another remarkable step in our mission to empower our people and preserve our cherished cultural heritage. It is my personal initiative, born out of a passion to uplift our people through creativity and culture,” she stated.
Highlighting the programme’s impact, Dr. Oyebanji recalled that since inception, not less than 3,800 widows and young people across Ekiti State have been successfully trained in batches, noting that some local government chairmen have also replicated the project in their councils, with transformative results.
According to her, Adire goes beyond being just a fabric. “It is a living symbol of identity, resilience, and ingenuity. Beyond cultural pride, Adire has become a global commodity with enormous potential for job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable growth. Ekiti must take her rightful place in this expanding creative economy,” she said.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor’s Wife on Adire, Mrs. Remi Adefemi, disclosed that the 135 trainees were drawn from Ekiti North Senatorial District and Ise/Orun Local Government.
She encouraged them to remain attentive, focused, and dedicated throughout the exercise.
“This is not just a training exercise but a golden opportunity to empower our people, preserve our cultural heritage, and create pathways for sustainable livelihoods,” Adefemi noted.
She commended Dr. Oyebanji for her consistent passion for youth, women, and community development, stressing that empowerment is not about handouts but about equipping people with tools and skills for independence and prosperity.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Wife of the Governor on Political Matters, Mrs. Toyin Adepoju, among other dignitaries.