The recently concluded Adire Market Week shows what is possible in deepening the value chain of this uniquely Nigerian fabric.

By Funke Awodiya

For those that don’t know, adire is an indigo-dyed cotton fabric decorated using a resist-dying technique to create striking patterns. It is an attestation to indigenous technology. Native to the Yoruba in Nigeria, adire is morphing into high-end fashion.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun now wears the colorful fabric to work and it has also been adopted as part of the uniforms of schools in the state.

To further deepen the widespread use and acceptance of adire, the Ajose Foundation, in conjunction with the Ogun State Government, hosted the second edition of the Adire Market Week in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from April 7-9, 2022.

Adire promoters, fabric merchants, and other dignitaries were at the event, with cameo appearances from wives of governors of states in the Southwest.

The June 12 Cultural Centre came alive as DJ Glory treated the audience to great music from the past laced with trending beats. A quick scan of visitors showed that it is a reflection of Nigeria’s demographic.

People from all walks of life stroll into the center where a convergence of history, art, and culture goes on a romantic date. The atmosphere bubbled as sellers and other stakeholders in the adire fabric value chain gathered at the event.

Like other guests, I looked at the colorful umbrellas demarcating the stands and I started the day with window shopping. There were about 50 stands showcasing. As a fashionista, I was excited to see creative designs of the garment made from adire.

While looking around at the beautiful colorful splashes of the vintages designs such as adire eleko, oniko, and alabere at various stands, I did not miss the modern designs too. The adire print designs are modern and creative, well-arranged by vendors.

As a connoisseur of local fabrics, I was awed by the originality displayed by each of the brands. Still wondering which brand to pitch my tent with (who to buy from), the moderator of the event mounted the stage. The arrival of Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State who was the Chief Host of the event, energized the crowd.

The stage was electrified by different designs from the vendors visibly showcasing brands’ fashion statements. One of the brands that caught my eye is Aritsoge which appears to cater to anyone interested in African fashion experience – clothes, earrings, and bags. So, I decided to engage the brand.

Sola Alamutu, Creative Partner of Aritsoge and a culture advocate, said the brand is for anyone ready to make an Afrocentric statement.  She affirms that the brand sources its fabrics from Abeokuta, the world capital of tie and dye fabric (adire).  The child rights activist disclosed that the promotion of African culture is the drive behind the brand, adding that making a statement with the adire is a way of promoting and preserving the Nigerian culture. Alamutu also commended the Ogun State government for supporting and promoting the adire business in Nigeria.

When asked about her experience of the market week, she responded with optimism. “It is a creative idea of showcasing adire to the world. Sales are looking up and I believe exhibition is a key to networking and we are excited to participate in the Adire Week Fashion Show because we believe that awareness is paramount to participation at Adire Week.”

Funke Awodiya is a medical sociologist. She lives in Lagos.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.