Adire Fabric: Visually Impaired Man Seeks Government Patronage in Osun
By John Dike
A visually impaired individual, Mr. Adebayo Muritala, has called on Nigerians and particularly the government to patronize his Adire material, which he claims can compete with any other material in the world.
Muritala spoke in an interview with the correspondent and appreciated the State Government and the management of Osun CSDA for their usual support.
He noted that local Adire fabrics can compete with any foreign fabrics, adding that people with disabilities are capable of competing with their able-bodied counterparts.
Muritala, a beneficiary of the Community Social Development Agency (CSDA), which is responsible for caring for the poor and physically challenged in Osun State, disclosed that he has been involved in Adire production at one of the rehabilitation centers of Osun CSDA.
Muritala, known for tie and dye in Osogbo town, solicited assistance from the State Government to produce more Adire clothes to help with the payment of salaries for workers in the Disability Village. He said, “If the government can assist us with a grant, we would be able to produce Adire in larger quantities, which will help us pay the salaries of workers in the Disability Village.”
While declaring that his Adire products can match any fabrics in Nigeria and across the world, Muritala hinted that his physical ability and capability have endeared people to him.
According to him, those who think that physically challenged individuals should be chastised in society are mistaken; instead, they need encouragement from both the government and the public. “There is ability in disability. I am blind but I am into Adire production. You can see some of my products here, and people have been commending my Adire works.”
He urged media professionals to give him adequate publicity so that wealthy individuals, government officials, politicians, philanthropists, and others can patronize his works. “I also recommend that Adire be worn by everybody, especially civil servants, who should wear it to the office on Wednesdays as earlier directed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.”
He also commended the Governor and the General Manager of CSDA, Mrs. Agboke, and her team for their efforts in taking care of the Adire project centers and other rehabilitation centers, as well as the elderly and physically challenged.
The General Manager of Osun CSDA, Mrs. Agboke, expressed the agency’s determination to promote the Adire produced at the rehabilitation center and called on the general public to support the agency’s efforts to bring relief to the poor and physically challenged.
She confirmed the quality of the Adire at the center and solicited the media’s support in showcasing the handwork of talented physically challenged individuals. She promised continued support for Adire production and called on philanthropists, organizations, and individuals to patronize the Adire production center to encourage them.
