Culture

Oyo State Governor launches traditional dress code initiative to boost local economy

Published

2 years ago

January 30, 2025

Oyo State’s new dress code initiative encourages civil servants to wear Aso Oke every Thursday, boosting local artisans and Yoruba culture

Governor Seyi Makinde has introduced a new dress code directive encouraging public servants in Oyo State to wear native attire incorporating Aso Oke fabric every Thursday.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially rolled out a new dress code initiative that will see civil and public servants in the state wear native attire, with a distinct touch of Aso Oke fabric, every Thursday.

This new directive, announced in a circular from the Office of the Head of Service on January 27, 2025, builds upon the existing tradition of wearing native clothing every Friday.

The policy aims to create a vibrant connection between the state workforce and its rich cultural heritage while driving economic transformation within the region.

The initiative encourages Oyo’s public servants to become ambassadors of Yoruba culture and champions of local economic development.

According to the circular, the new dress code is more than just a cultural display—it is a strategic move to preserve Yoruba traditions and stimulate growth in the state’s informal economy.

The policy encourages civil servants to incorporate Aso Oke fabric into their weekly attire, a step that will empower local artisans, weavers, dyers, and tailors.

Governor Makinde emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the policy, stressing that it would create a positive ripple effect on local businesses, contributing to job creation, poverty alleviation, and income generation within the artisan community.

“This initiative is not just about dressing; it’s a strategic effort to validate our cultural identity while uplifting grassroots economies,” the circular read.

By increasing the demand for locally produced fabrics and supporting indigenous crafts, the directive is expected to benefit not only the local textile industry but also the tourism sector, as it showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

The administration forecasts that this initiative will lead to increased economic activity in the state’s informal sector, with an emphasis on boosting income levels for local artisans.

Tailors, weavers, and dyers will experience a direct boost in business, while the broader economy will see the effects of an improved informal economy and increased tourism as visitors flock to experience the cultural vibrancy of Oyo State.

This directive aligns with Governor Makinde’s commitment to inclusive development and fostering sustainable growth through local empowerment.

With its focus on cultural pride, local craftsmanship, and economic transformation, Oyo State’s new dress code initiative is set to have a lasting impact on the state’s economy and the preservation of its vibrant Yoruba heritage.

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6 hours ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

7 hours ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.