Oluwo urges Nigerians to appreciate locally made products

From DAPO SALAMI, Ibadan

AMIDST harsh economic realities facing the country, the newly installed Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akabi, Telu Ilufemiloye I, has suggested that federal government can turn around the economy by encouraging patronage of locally made clothing materials.

Oba Adewale, who spoke to newsmen in his palace said with the population of people going on holy pilgrimage exceeding 100, 000 annually, using locally made clothing materials for pilgrims uniforms can help to stimulate the economy.

The royal father, who warned Nigerians, especially the people of Yoruba race, against wholesale adoption of western culture at the detriment of the traditional beliefs and culture of their forefathers, said government must devise ways to reduce huge amount being spent on imported fabrics by pilgrims annually.

Also, as part of measures to revive the economy, Oba Adewale said government must adopt usage of locally made fabrics for uniforms of military and paramilitary officers and men, saying the fabrics and other cultural materials, if well packaged, can even earn the country foreign exchange.

“What stops us from using adire for jalabia and hijab? I know many fanatical Christians and Moslems usually associate clothing like adire to idol worshipping but that is erroneous.
“Adire is just a fabric and it does not affect your relationship with God. Why cant bishops and other clergy men use local fabrics for their vestments? By using local made materials, we are creating jobs and helping to grow our economy,” the royal father said.

Speaking on his plans for Iwoland, the monarch said he intends using his contact in Canada and United States of America to develop agriculture in the town and its environs.