Ogun State prioritises cultural tourism by leveraging Adire fabric’s value chain and inter-state collaborations to boost jobs and revenue.

Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing its culture and tourism sector by leveraging inter-state cultural networking and restoring the prominence of the iconic Adire fabric.

Speaking at the 2024 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), themed “Connected Culture” and held at the Arts and Craft Village in Abuja, Fagbayi emphasised the economic potential embedded in cultural exchange.

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“States have the opportunity to cross-fertilise ideas and network with one another to maximise the economic potential of arts and culture, thereby boosting internally generated revenue through cultural arts and crafts,” Fagbayi stated.

Highlighting the significance of Adire fabric, Fagbayi described it as Ogun State’s pride, with a robust value chain that has created thousands of jobs.

“We will never rest on our oars. We shall continue to do all that is within our power to protect this industry and ensure that it keeps flourishing,” he added, crediting Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support of cultural initiatives and participation in international expos like NAFEST.

Dr Yusuff Quudus, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, noted that NAFEST fosters meaningful interactions between states, creating opportunities to grow cultural and economic ties.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, represented by Dr Shuaibu Hussein, praised the festival’s theme for spotlighting the role of arts and culture in national unity, social cohesion, and economic growth.

She urged stakeholders to celebrate Nigeria’s diverse culture and creativity as tools for economic diversification.

Director General of the Nigerian Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, emphasised that culture and people remain Nigeria’s strongest assets.

“It is imperative to empower the people and connect the culture,” he stated, underlining the need for innovative approaches to enhance the nation’s creative economy.

With Ogun State’s renewed focus on cultural tourism, particularly through Adire fabric’s revitalisation, the state aims to position itself as a hub for cultural and economic development, promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage on the global stage.