Adire Village Project: Ogun Sets to Host SMEDAN DG, Charles Odii

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

ABEOKUTA -As part of strategic moves towards the realization of the Global Adire Village (GAV) project, Ogun State is set to host the Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, on Monday, 11th August 2025, for a landmark visit targeted at bolstering the indigenous Adire industry. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the development was announced via a press statement released by the Project Coordinator, Prof. OlaJumoke Adeosun Familoni, President/Provost ICLED Business School, Lekki Lagos.

According to her, the landmark visit by the SMEDAN DG, which is coming at the instance and invitatiin of the Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, Kabiyesi Adedotun Aremu Gbafebo, CFR, will be hosted by Global Adire Egba Development Limited and its project partners with the aim of consolidating and empowering the Adire industry in Abeokuta through the creation of a world-class Adire Village. 

Prof. Familoni further revealed that the event will feature a rich agenda, including a welcome address by Chief Oluyinka Kufile, Aro of Egbaland and Chairman of Qualitec Industries, a detailed presentation on the project’s purpose and objectives by the Project Coordinator, Prof. Olajumoke Adeosun Familoni, President/Provost ICLED Business School, Lekki Lagos.

She further revealed that the event billed to commence at 10:00 a.m in Abeokuta, will hold at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, The Alake of Egbaland and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, CFR. 

The SMEDAN DG will be conducted to take a guided tour of the proposed Adire Village site while the Adire Global Village project, being coordinated by the ICLED consultancy team will pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for formal engagements and discussions. 

The Adire Village initiative seeks to address the adverse impact of cheap, mass-produced imported fabrics flooding the market, which threatens the livelihoods of thousands of local artisans. By organizing the fragmented Adire industry into a formal cooperative, the project aims to promote sustainability, foster innovation, promote employment and preserve the cultural heritage of Adire craftsmanship, a legacy trade rooted in Abeokuta’s neighborhood since the 1800s.

Concluding the press statement, Prof. Familoni stressed that "This strategic partnership with SMEDAN is poised to elevate the Adire industry, positioning Abeokuta as the global capital of Adire-making. The visit will conclude with remarks from Mr. Charles Odii, outlining the strategic outlook and way forward for this transformative initiative."