In order to stimulate the interest of youths in creative and profitable activities, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has given assurance that the Ministry will continue to identify, encourage and support creative-minded youths in the Tourism, Arts and Culture industry.
The Commissioner, made the assertion when she received the Founder of Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, Miss Doyinmola Olajoye, in her office, saying that the 22-year-old entrepreneur would be supported by the Ministry to expand her Adire business and further train more like-minded youths.
Akinbile-Yussuf commended the initiative of Olajoye in the area of indigenous creativity and for diversifying into creative household items with diverse designs using the locally made fabric, Adire.
She said, “This is a laudable initiative and I must say that the Ministry is proud to associate with the brain behind this, especially for complementing the efforts of the State Government in the promotion of locally made products and services.
“The fact that this young lady is promoting Yoruba attire and the Yoruba culture is quite commendable. The creativity speaks to arts and culture, which is one of the priority areas for the Ministry,” Akinbile-Yussuf reiterated.
Appealing to youths to draw inspiration from Olajoye’s creativity, the Commissioner emphasised the importance of investing their time and resources in activities that are profitable, rather than being involved in unscrupulous engagements.
Also speaking during the visit, the C.E.O Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, Miss Doyinmola Olajoye, expressed her intention to groom and equip more youths with the skills to make them independent producers of the local fabrics, disclosing that the business is lucrative and does not require huge start-up capital.
She sought the support of the Ministry to accommodate more youths who are interested in developing skills in the art of Adire-making through exposure to both the practical and theoretical aspects of the craft.
Miss Olajoye later presented a cup designed with ‘Adire’ and a T-Shirt made from the local fabric to the Honourable Commissioner.
