The production of imitation “Adire’’ fabrics by Asian companies is a threat to the economy of Abeokuta, of Ogun and of Nigeria, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has declared.
The paramount has consequently set up a committee stop the influx of the imitation “Adire’’ fabrics into Abeokuta markets.
Inaugurating the committee in Abeokuta on Wednesday the paramount ruler said efforts must be made to maintain the sanctity and quality of the “Adire’’ fabric.
The production of “Adire’’ fabric is indigenous to Abeokuta. It has been the mainstay of the economy of many families in the Ogun capital for centuries as it has evolved into a generational vocation.
“Adire production started in Itoku, here in Abeokuta. It is our trade and there is need to ensure that the quality of our “Adire’’ is not tampered with,’’ Oba Gbadebo stressed.
The Alake noted that indigenous production of “Adire fabric’’ had taken many youths and homes out of poverty and out of crime.
He assured that he would not fold his arms and allow Abeokuta people to suffer as a consequence of the influx of the Asian-made “Adire’’ into Abeokuta.
Oba Gbadebo said there was the need to enlighten the people not to patronise the fake “Adire’’ produced by the Asian companies.
Such patronage would have negative effect on the economy of Ogun and that of Nigeria, the traditional ruler stressed.
He charged the committee to identify the factories of the Asian companies producing the fabric from where they were sent to markets in Abeokuta.
“This committee is set up to tackle the influx of fake “Adire’’ into markets in the state capital. We must not allow infiltration and our reputation as Egba must not be tarnished.
“Before we can say something is not good, we must first ensure that ours is better and we must ensure high quality in our “Adire’’ production,’’ Oba Gbadebo admonished.
The paramount ruler assured that he would contribute to ensuring that “Adire’’ production continued to prosper in Abeokuta to boost the economy of the state and of Nigeria as a whole.
In her remarks, Hajia Modinat Adegbite, a member of the committee, noted that the adaptation of “Adire’’ fabric production by the Asian companies had had deleterious effect on the businesses of indigenous producers.
Adegbite, the title holder of “Giwa Obinrin of Egbaland’’, lauded the Alake for inaugurating the committee.
She said the influx of the “fake Adire’’ into markets in Abeokuta was disheartening as it was affecting the sale of locally-produced ones.
“This is why the committee is set up to tackle and put an end to the challenge.
“Adire’’ production is indigenous to the Egba and we will not allow anyone to spoil the name built by our forefathers.
“We are determined to maintain the quality of the locally-produced “Adire’’ fabric and to protect it from undue competition and proliferation by imitators,’’ Adegbite stressed.
