From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Cultural advocates and fashion industry promoters in Ilorin have intensified calls for the Federal Government to secure Geographical Indication (GI), status for Aso Oke, insisting that the iconic fabric must carry Nigeria’s name on the global stage.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Global Entrepreneurship Week held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, which highlighted Aso Oke, Dr. Yemisi Adeyeye, co-founder of the Life Fount Foundation, warned that Nigeria risks losing ownership of the fabric if it is not officially registered as a national heritage asset.
“Aso Oke is our indigenous fabric, and I am proud to let the world know that Ilorin is one of the top weavers of Aso Oke anywhere in the world,” she said.
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“Nigeria must register Aso Oke as a Geographical Indication so that only fabric woven on Nigerian soil can be called Aso Oke. It is ours, and we must name it and own it.”
Dr. Adeyeye expressed concern that global imitation could blur the fabric’s origins. “People travel, observe what others do, and copy it. We don’t want a situation where anyone is unsure of where Aso Oke comes from. Everyone is free to wear it, and we are happy to share its beauty with the world, but the world must know it belongs to us,” she said.
She also highlighted the growing global appeal of Aso Oke, widely used at weddings, festivals, and international fashion events.
She said the planned Aso Oke Fashion Show, and eventually an Aso Oke Fashion Week, would further reinforce its Nigerian roots.
“Aso Oke is trending everywhere because it is beautiful and unique. This fashion show is our way of telling the world that we own it, we cherish it, and we are ready to promote it,” Dr. Adeyeye added.
Supporting the call, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara State, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, stressed the need for national campaigns to project Aso Oke as a global cultural asset. “Aso Oke is a globally recognised fabric, and what we are doing now is pushing its global fabrication so it becomes even more visible,” he said.
“Some of our vendors have direct links with Nigerians in the diaspora, and through them, we are encouraging more exports.”
Alhaji Abdulganiyu revealed that Aso Oke has been exported several times over the past three years for cultural exhibitions by groups seeking authentic Yoruba heritage.
He urged designers to explore modern styles that appeal to younger Nigerians, noting, “Once people see Aso Oke, even as branding, they should instantly know it is from Ilorin. It is from Nigeria.”
The Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Usman, urged young Nigerians to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology alongside formal education to achieve financial independence.
“We all understand the situation of the country. It can’t be about education alone. As youths, you have to be creative. You need entrepreneurial knowledge right from school or even after school,” he said.
Mr. Fabian George, CEO of Equity Circle, added that integrating technology into business is essential for visibility and growth. The event also featured sessions on tax education, panel discussions, certificate awards, and goodwill messages from stakeholders.
