The case for Adire as bulwark against cultural imperialism

Adire is an indigenous fabric that is produced in mostly the South-Western region of Nigeria, it is made from Indigo dye and is not just seen as a piece of cloth but as a part of their cultural heritage. The biggest Adire market in Nigeria is in Ogun state. The Egba are the major producers of the Adire fabric. The material is also a source of livelihood for indigenes of major south-western states who are artisans. These States include Ogun state that has the Itoku market, Adire Eleko in sun state,  Dugbe market in Ibadan and Oja Oba in Ekiti.

Textile companies were booming in the early 1980s but have regressed in recent years as there are less than 50 functional companies currently as compared to the over 200 companies then. It has gotten worse as foreign companies now use machines to print on substandard fabrics which has replaced the local dye being used and the foreigners sell at a very cheap price as compared to the price sold by the artisans here in Nigeria which has compromised the source of income for the south-west natives who depend on Adire production as a source of income.

Artisans who major in Adire production have made complaints severally as foreign interference has made life difficult for them but it has been to no avail. Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, where the largest Adire market is, also confirmed the influx of foreigners, most notably the Chinese who have affected the business.

In a statement he revealed that, “When I assumed office, this industry was dying… because the Chinese were coming to Ogun State to copy the designs, take it to China, make the adire and ankara and sell it cheaper than those produced by our people, regardless of how beautiful it is.

”No matter what it is, it remains our small business enterprise that employs a lot of our people and it has been so for many generations.”

It is evident that without a drastic measure, Adire production would be taken away from the indigenous owners, to help preserve this heritage, those in the craft should come to a consensus and liaise with the government and their respective Cultural legislators to create a forum where they can produce Adirr fabrics in large quantity to sell nationally and also export outside. With a high degree of certainty, it is evident that foreigners are fond of African arts and craft, therefore the fear of not selling the fabrics is Eliminated.

The government should also initiate  festivals that showcase our heritage with which clothing is a very important component. With such festivals, people are likely to buy locally made materials which would promote such fabrics here in Nigeria.

We also have many South-Westerners in diaspora who also long for a means to associate with their cultural heritage, therefore organising events that reflect their roots while away will help propagate more production of the Adire material which in turn helps create job opportunities for those who depend on Adire production as a means of income.

The federal government should also create and fund initiatives that will look into Adire production as it will create more jobs and generate revenue.