…Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Renaissance and Youth-Driven Economic Growth
Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke said his administration will use Adire craftsmanship to launch the state as a vibrant centre for textile creativity and cultural tourism.
Governor Adeleke made this known while addressing the World Media Conference held at the Governor’s Office on Monday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Festival Committee, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, emphasised that the festival has been formally declared an annual cultural landmark for the state.
He noted that the 2025 edition will spotlight Osun’s historical ties to Aro and Adire fabrics
He explained that the festival is structured to deliver key developmental gains, including a boost to local commerce, an expansion of tourism activities, and the creation of sustainable job opportunities for residents.
According to the Governor, promoting the Adire textile goes beyond cultural heritage as it represents a strategic economic avenue capable of strengthening households and stimulating small-scale enterprises.
He added that the festival’s major features, include the Adire Osun Ambassadors Launch, Adire Osun Fashion Couture, Adire Export Summit, and the Street Carnival, which is designed to showcase indigenous designs and connect local creators to global markets.
Senator Adeleke added that these components will position Osun as a competitive player in the national and international creative space, assuring that the Adeleke administration remains committed to transforming Osun into an entertainment and creativity hub.
He called on stakeholders, investors and the media to support the festival’s rollout, noting that collective participation will help consolidate the state’s cultural evolution and drive long-term economic impact.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Osun Council for Arts and Culture, Hon. Ebenezer Adeniji, said the festival theme, “Creating Wealth, Empowering Youths,” reflects the government’s resolve to convert cultural assets into real economic value, describing Adire as a “living archive” whose stories, colours and techniques carry both identity and economic opportunity for the young generation.
Adeniji commended the Governor for approving the training of 25 youths in each of the 332 wards, stressing that skill development, business mentorship and digital access are essential to building a thriving creative economy.
