Ekiti state government is set to launch an Aso Oke Weaving and Market Centre in Ado Ekiti. The commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola F.IMC, CMC revealed this during a live radio program reaffirming the BAO administration’s dedication to the socio-economic development of the people.
The commissioner remarked that the decline in aso oke weaving in Ekiti was regrettable because it was once a flourishing trade and the people’s pride. She therefore called for a revival of the industry and urged artisans in the fashion industry to incorporate aso oke into their designs, especially designs for shoes, bags, couture, etc.
While assuring tradesmen that the traditional weaving methods will be modernised for efficiency, she noted that these infrastructural investments will attract more young people and men to the trade due to streamlined production, increased profits, productivity and reduced waste.
The centre will accommodate a first batch of 30 weavers and provide all-year employment for beneficiaries, thereby facilitating youth employment, MSMEs’ growth and industrialisation as enshrined in the pillars of the BAO administration.
Earlier in March, the State Executive Council approved the sum of one hundred million naira (N100M) to establish and construct the centre.
During the radio programme, Mrs Omotayo also announced the state government’s facilitation of a loan scheme tagged ‘Ekiti Access Bank Women Loan Initiative’ which aims to fund female traders and organise clinics to address the unique challenges of the beneficiaries.
Noting that EKSG is already subsidising the loan scheme to make it more conducive, Mrs Omotayo disclosed that over 3000 people have already applied for the credit facility which will be launched before the end of July 2024. She also assured listeners that EKSG is in the process of collaborating with banks and other stakeholders to review existing cooperative laws in order to boost socio-economic activities in the state. The commissioner assured the public of more sensitisation efforts in the future so that the intended beneficiaries are aware of the initiatives targeted at them.
Peoplesmind