The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating local crafts to global standards through structured training and export readiness programmes. At a graduation ceremony for Adire (Tie & Dye) participants held on Friday at the Adire & Kampala International Market in Agbado, Lagos, the state's Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, outlined plans to enhance skills in packaging, branding, entrepreneurship, bookkeeping and marketing. The event, themed "Celebrating Creativity, Empowerment & Skill Excellence," was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in collaboration with the Lagos State Tie & Dye Association (LASOTA), Mosan Okunola and Agbado Oke-Odo local council development areas. Ajigbotafe, represented by Chief Commercial Officer Mr Bola Ajayi, urged stakeholders to wear Adire at public events to promote the craft.
Mrs Aduuni Akindele, Chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA, revealed that 129 residents are currently undergoing vocational training in her area as part of a campaign promise to create sustainable livelihoods. She stressed the goal of making residents economically stable and self-reliant rather than dependent on handouts. Mr Abiodun Ejigbadero, Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, reiterated his commitment to community empowerment through skill acquisition. LASOTA President Mr AbdulRasheed Temitope disclosed that 450 people had been trained in three months, with 250 specialising in tie-and-dye, 50 in make-up and 170 in disinfectants and decorations. Graduands including Miss Omotayo Amao and Mr Olelakan Dada, a visually impaired trainee, expressed gratitude for the free training and pledged commitment to their new ventures. The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund will provide low-interest loans to support business startups.
The commissioner speaks of export-ready crafts while the graduands are still being advised to wear Adire at public functions as if visibility alone translates to market access. If 129 people are undergoing training in one local government, the scale of unemployment across Lagos suggests this effort is a drop in the ocean. The visually impaired graduate's success shows potential inclusivity, yet no mention is made of how such inclusion will be systematically sustained. Without clear pathways beyond training and symbolic support, the cycle of dependence may simply be delayed, not broken.
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