By Abiodun OLOFE
The cultural and economic empowerment initiative of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, received a major boost on Wednesday as the Moba Local Government officially commissioned its Adire production centre, ‘ADIRE Moba’, in Otun Ekiti. The hub, a replication of the First Lady’s pioneering Adire Ekiti Hub, was inaugurated by the Executive Chairman of Moba LG, Hon. Bamidele Fadugba, with over 100 trainees empowered.
Dr. Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Folorunso Olabode, was commended by speakers for championing a renaissance of indigenous arts through her Adire initiative, which has now been adopted across the state.
Hon. Fadugba, in his address, expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady for launching the Adire Ekiti model that inspired Moba’s own initiative. He noted that the hub would drive job creation, economic self-reliance, and cultural preservation in the community. “This initiative is not just about art, it is about creating livelihoods and preserving who we are. We are grateful to Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji for this vision,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic alignment with the First Lady’s initiative, the Chairman announced that all campaign fabrics for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term bid in Moba would be sourced from Adire Moba, urging traditional rulers and residents to support the hub through consistent patronage.
Representing Dr. Oyebanji, Hon. Olabode emphasized the First Lady’s commitment to economic empowerment and skill development, particularly among women and youths. He advocated the adoption of Adire fabrics—including vests, shirts, gowns, and blouses—for all campaign and social functions in Ekiti. “This is about job creation and economic stimulation. The First Lady’s initiative has created a new identity for Ekiti as a hub for quality Adire production,” he said.
He encouraged further exposure for trainees through exchange visits to leading Adire centres like Abeokuta, to deepen their skills. He also charged the newly empowered trainees to make the most of the opportunity, stressing that the Oyebanji-led government remains committed to empowerment and food security in the state.
Mrs. Labake Fadugba, wife of the Moba LG Chairman, described the initiative as a transformative effort championed by Dr. Oyebanji, which Moba is proud to emulate. She assured that Adire Moba would be sustained as both a production and training hub for interested individuals.
In her remarks, Mrs. Olowoyo Abiodun, Deputy Director of Community Service and coordinator of Adire Moba, reaffirmed the council’s readiness to meet growing demand, stating that over seventy trained and certified individuals are now available for large-scale production.
The event also featured a vibrant exhibition of Adire pieces produced by the trainees and the official launch of the products. The graduates expressed their gratitude to Hon. Fadugba and the First Lady for the life-changing opportunity.
Dignitaries present included HRM Oba Tajudeen Jimoh (Olosan of Osan Ekiti), Mrs. Bodunde Taiwo Victoria (HLGA), Secretary Alhaji Ayantoye Ibrahim, Hon. Ayelomobo, and Rt. Hon. Bosede Adebayo, among others. The ceremony underscored growing support for the First Lady’s legacy of cultural revival and inclusive economic growth through the Adire initiative