In a recent plenary session at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Tella, representing Abeokuta North State Constituency, urged the State Government to prohibit the importation of foreign adire.
Tella expressed concern about the encroachment of foreign adire into the local market, jeopardizing the cultural heritage of the state.
The passage of the resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye and supported by other lawmakers presided over by Speaker Olakunle Oluomo.
Tella emphasized the need for the government to take action against the subtle takeover of the Adire Kampala local industry by foreigners.
The lawmaker called on relevant ministries – Trade and Investment, Culture and Tourism, and Women Affairs – to investigate the matter.
He also urged the state government to partner with the Federal Government to assist local adire fabric makers for smooth export, safeguarding the nation's growing economy.
Corroborating Hon. Tella’s submission, his colleague-lawmakers all rose in unison to support the motion and commended the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and some notable monarchs for always promoting by adorning the indigenous adire at all times.
They explained that the influx of foreign adire had created challenges including high rate of unemployment and imitation of the creativity of the people of the State, positing that it had become imperative for the State Government to checkmate this trend which pose a treat to the State’s GDP.
The lawmakers unanimously solicited the support of the National Assembly to consider classifying the imported Adire as contraband good with a view to protecting the local economy of the State.
Responding, Speaker Oluomo, who commended the sponsor of the resolution, equally acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun’s untiring efforts at promoting the rich cultural heritage of the State, assuring that the Assembly would work towards enacting a bill to further strengthen and protect the local economy for the benefit of the people.
