Global Adire Village project in Abeokuta gets support from SMEDAN and Alake of Egbaland to boost authentic Adire production and empower local artisans

Global Adire Village efforts in Ogun State took a major step forward on Tuesday as the management of Global Adire Egba Development Limited secured the backing of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

Also read: Nikie Dolls Introduces Crochet Designs Celebrating Africa’s Rich Heritage

The project, aimed at creating a world-class Adire textile hub in Abeokuta, seeks to fight the growing invasion of counterfeit Adire fabrics, particularly low-quality imports from Asia, while preserving indigenous craftsmanship and empowering local producers.

Speaking during a visit to the Alake’s palace, Oluyinka Kufile, Chairman of the Committee for the Global Adire Village, said the initiative will transform the local Adire industry by providing infrastructure, innovation, and cooperative structure.

“We are ready to partner with SMEDAN to establish a Global Adire Village in Abeokuta. The goal is to protect our cultural heritage, stop the influx of fake products, and empower the Adire industry through scale, synergy, and structure,” Kufile said.

He stressed that the project emerged as a collective idea from stakeholders in Egbaland, and has since gained solid interest from SMEDAN and other partners.

“The site will host everything—road networks, technology hub, production units, residential quarters, and a clinic.

This isn’t just a village, it’s a textile ecosystem,” added Prof. Olajumoke Familon, the project coordinator.

Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Southwest Director Olukayode Sode praised the initiative, calling it a blueprint for job creation and cultural preservation.

“This project will strengthen the Adire value chain and empower thousands of youths and women. We are committed to supporting its swift takeoff,” said SMEDAN Ogun State Manager, Mr. Awoniyi Biodun, who confirmed ongoing consultations with the agency’s national leadership.

In his remarks, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, gave his full blessing, describing the initiative as “timely and transformational.”

“This is no longer a village—it’s an Adire city. It will solve many challenges faced by our artisans and elevate the global profile of Adire made in Abeokuta,” the monarch said, clearly impressed by the virtual design presentation shown at the meeting.

According to Kufile, the Global Adire Village project will help reduce production costs, improve access to raw materials, boost local confidence in indigenous products, and deter the spread of substandard Chinese knockoffs.

“Textiles are major employment generators. With a proper Adire hub, job creation in Ogun State will be massive,” he emphasised.

Also speaking, Mr. Tunde Bajela of ICLED called on SMEDAN’s DG to fast-track financial and technical contributions to the project.

Also read: Ajilala Oso Festival 2025: Omooba Laoye shares exciting plans on OSBC Radio

With a blend of heritage, innovation, and economic empowerment, the Global Adire Village stands as a beacon of what community-led industrialisation can look like in Nigeria—combining tradition with technology and policy with purpose.