A cultural enthusiast and Adire promoter, Princess Adejoke Somoye, has called on the Ogun State Government to support the passage of the Geographical Indication Bill, which seeks to protect and promote Nigeria’s indigenous Adire fabric against foreign imitations.
Somoye disclosed this during her visit to the Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Emmanuel Sofela in Abeokuta on Friday.
The Geographical Indication Bill is a draft law aimed at creating a legal framework to protect and commercialize its origin-linked products, like agricultural and artisanal goods.
Somoye expressed concern over the growing influx of factory-produced Adire from China, which she said threatens the livelihood of local artisans who depend on the indigenous craft.
She narrated that she experienced gunshots and her vehicle was vandalised in the process.
Her words “Our being here is about the geographical implication bill on Adire to protect and promote our indigenous inheritance.
“All efforts to eradicate China-made Adire from our markets have proven abortive. I almost lost my life fighting for that cause we faced gunshots, vandalism, and other attacks because we were standing up for the survival of Adire.
"The Adire production chain provides jobs for various people, including dye sellers, starch producers, and nylon vendors", she noted.
According to Somoye, Adire coming from China goes straight from the factory to the store, quizzing, what happens to those who depend on this trade to feed their families?
I once told the Alake that if these people become jobless, they may turn to theft. That is why we continue to fight,” she said.
Adejoke also noted that there is already a bill on Geographical Indication being considered by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, while calling on the State Government to engage with the minister to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of efforts.
Somoye appealed “I spoke to her as an activist and a cultural enthusiast. But because we have you here as the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, I know you can reach her as a colleague to ensure that our efforts align"
Responding, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism commended Adejoke’s advocacy and reaffirmed the commitment of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to promoting Adire both locally and internationally.
The Commissioner said “I want to say without any fear of contradiction that the current administration has done a lot to promote Adire.
“His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has been the chief marketing ambassador of Adire fabric. He even mandated all public and civil servants in Ogun State to wear Adire to promote our local craft. Today, Adire is being worn across Nigeria and beyond.”
The commissioner equally stressed the need to preserve the authenticity of the indigenous craft.
