In a move to empower the unemployed and widows in Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, inaugurated the Adire Ekiti Hub on Monday. This local fabrics empowerment scheme and training center aims to uplift communities by providing economic opportunities and preserving cultural heritage.
Under the auspices of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, in collaboration with the Nike Okundaye Art Foundation, 200 beneficiaries from Ekiti Central Senatorial District embarked on a comprehensive training program.
This initiative marked the beginning of a broader effort, with two additional batches of 200 participants each slated to commence training in the ensuing weeks, drawn from Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by notable dignitaries including the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, was a testament to the commitment of the state leadership to strengthen economic empowerment and community development.
Dr. Oyebanji articulated the manifold benefits anticipated from the Adire Ekiti initiative, emphasizing its role in providing sustainable livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and preserving the rich cultural tapestry of Ekiti State.
Speaking passionately about her vision, the Governor’s wife envisaged a vibrant community of skilled artisans and entrepreneurs, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State. The Adire Ekiti Hub, she affirmed, symbolizes a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration, emphasized the state’s unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering innovation.
Governor Oyebanji, addressing the beneficiaries, stressed the transformative potential of the scheme in transitioning individuals from job seekers to job creators. Emphasizing the inadequacy of palliative measures in addressing systemic issues, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting beneficiaries through mentorship, access to financing, and stringent monitoring to ensure compliance with the scheme’s terms.
Senator Babafemi Ojudu lauded the Governor and his wife for their dedication to empowering ordinary citizens, recognizing the pivotal role of skill development in driving national prosperity.
Adire Ekiti represents not only a catalyst for economic empowerment but also a celebration of cultural heritage, as affirmed by Olori Ogunwusi. Chief Nike Okundaye, Founder/CEO of the Nike Art Foundation, hailed Adire Ekiti as a beacon of hope in the creative economy, pledging her foundation’s full support in nurturing the hub to prominence.
As the Adire Ekiti Hub sets sail on its journey of transformation, stakeholders rally behind Governor Oyebanji and his visionary leadership, heralding a new era of economic empowerment and cultural resurgence in Ekiti State.