Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The panelists at the 3rd International Adire and Cultural Festival in Abeokuta have stressed the urgent need to preserve and promote African cultural heritage as a sustainable tool for youth empowerment.
Penpushing reports that the panelists comprising cultural scholars, creative industry leaders and government representatives made the call during a high-profile symposium of a week-long festival.
The symposium, themed “Our Cultural Heritage as Tools for Empowerment,” formed the intellectual highlight of the festival organised by the Asani and Aduke Foundation, held between November 10 to 15, 2025, at Alake Hall, Abeokuta Club, along Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
Penpushing further reports that lead panelists Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Ibidunni Oni urged Nigerians especially youths to recognise the economic and creative value embedded in traditional textile arts such as Adire and Aso-Oke.
The lead panelist who is the Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, described cultural heritage as one of Africa’s biggest assets, explaining that mastering Adire production alone can provide lifelong empowerment
“Our cultural heritage is a big source of empowerment. Adire has to do with creativity, and if you know how to do Adire, you are already empowered. Adire is part of our storytelling Oni emphasised
Penpushing also reports that she listed major Adire production techniques—tie-and-dye, batik print, starch resist and stitch resist—and noted that the motifs and materials used in the fabric symbolize ancestry, history and identity,” she added.
The senior lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Mr. Dolamu Akinyemi, in his contributions to the discussion, emphasized that Adire remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Yoruba cultural identity and a major avenue for creativity-driven entrepreneurship in southwestern Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that a renowned culture promoter Prince Tunde Odunlade reinforced the message of knowledge-sharing and cultural preservation, urging participants never to hoard skills.
The culture icon pointed out to the participants that they should have at the back of their minds that whatever knowledge they have and shared will be a waste, describing Adire as more than fabric, calling it a story told with patterns, colours and care, and a cultural treasure that has travelled from Nigeria to the global fashion landscape.
Penpushing further reports that Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Adebola Sofela, in his goodwill message celebrated the festival as a worthy platform for creativity, learning and cultural exchange.
The Commissioner represented by Mrs. Yemisi Folarin praised Adire as a vibrant symbol of Yoruba heritage, weaving together creativity and community, and commended the organisers for supporting youth development.
Penpushing also reports that he noted that the initiative aligns with the youth empowerment pillar of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration, which prioritises ease of doing business, market access, innovation, and capacity-building.
The Commissioner in the same vein, urged new trainees to take the programme seriously, assuring them that the skills gained would make them self-reliant and contribute to cultural preservation.
“It is worthy of mention that this is in line with the youth empowerment pillar of the present administration. While I congratulate past graduates of the foundation, I encourage new participants to learn with dedication and pay attention to details. The training will not only make them self-sufficient but also strengthen the unity that binds us as a people.”
Penpushing reports that the 3rd International Adire and Cultural Festival, organised in partnership with ATJ Textiles, engaged daily with exhibitions, workshops, cultural displays, and practical sessions aimed at empowering young people and promoting the global relevance of Yoruba textile heritage.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that the symposium and festival activities will inspire a new generation of creatives equipped to preserve culture, drive innovation and contribute to the socio-economic development of Ogun State and the nation.
Penpushing further reports that the convener and Director of the Asani and Aduke Foundation, Dr. Lizzy Adeboyejo, earlier in her opening remarks encouraged participating students to focus on building competence and character rather than merely pursuing certificates.
“Don’t study for certificate. Study for the career you have chosen, and let us ensure that we build ourselves with good character’, Adeboyejo emphasized
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