The National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Oyo State, has successfully trained and graduated 35 students in Adire fabric making and 49 others in Home Care Products production as part of efforts to promote cultural preservation, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Alado of Ado Awaye Hall, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, drew the attendance of stakeholders, guests, and journalists.
Speaking at the event, the Curator and South-West Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, described the exercise as a laudable achievement and congratulated the graduands for their commitment and successful completion of the training.
She urged them to apply their newly acquired skills productively, saying, “Adire fabric is part of our cultural identity and must not go into extinction. I encourage you to make use of the knowledge you have gained to improve your lives and contribute to the growth of the Adire industry. The fabric tells the story of who we are as Africans and Nigerians.”
Mrs. Otuka further advised the graduates not to relent but to continue showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship to the world. She also commended Dr. (Mrs.) Olatunde Oluyemi, Deputy Director of Education Services and Training at the Museum, for her dedication and successful coordination of the programme.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief AbdulRasak Adewale (popularly known as Baba Sokoti), a veteran thespian in the Yoruba movie industry, praised the initiative as one that promotes cultural heritage while empowering citizens.
He said, “Adire making is more than a craft; it is a means of preserving the culture and traditions of the Yoruba people. I urge the graduates to use this knowledge to earn a living and make their talents known globally.”
Chief Adewale also commended Dr. Oluyemi for her professional excellence and contributions to both the creative and educational sectors.
In her address, Dr. (Mrs.) Olatunde Oluyemi expressed appreciation to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the management team for their support in making the programme a success.
She explained that the ten-day training covered two major categories — Adire fabric production and Home Care Products — including disinfectants, liquid soaps, toilet cleaners, and insect killers.
“We have trained many individuals and institutions, and we will continue to do more. I encourage the participants to make good use of their skills to improve their livelihoods. If you encounter challenges, you can always reach out to us for guidance,” she said.
Notable personalities present at the event included Mrs. Adeola Abakun, Deputy Director of Education; veteran filmmaker Prince Ayo Oluyemi; popular activist Iya Sango; Chief (Mrs.) Bosede Israel, Deputy Director of Education; Dr. Samson Olajide Adetunji of the Department of Arts and Design, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Thespian Prince Femi Ademiluyi; and journalist Comrade Richard Thomas, Editor of Oodua News, among others.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduates.
Recipients included: Bamidele Moyinoluwa, Kolapo Oluwatobiloba, Awoyemi Success, Omikunle Yetunde, Olatomiwa Morenikeji, Samuel Opeyemi, Ogunsola Olusoji, Oluyemi Temiloluwa Okanmiyo, Awoyele Ayoola, Ajala Eucharia Ndidiamaka, Adeniyi Tomilola Janet, and Ogunyemi Tunde.
Others were Bankole Roseline Omolade, Oluwakoya Dominion, Adeniyi Favour Mary, Abdulsalam Faedoh, Olajide Oluwatoyin, Adedoyin Bibiana, Akinola Bunmi, Bakare Folake, Atanda Grace, Oyedele Olufunmilayo Dorcas, Ajao Ireyimika Kikelomo, Ajisafe Subusola Fatimoh, Folorunso Mary Oluwatomilola, Mustapha Olawale Samson, Aremu Beatrice Adeola, Abolore Yekini, Oparinde Kehinde Victoria, Omakor Oluwatosin, Hammed Omolola, Aladesanmi Stephen Tayo, Taiwo Iketomiwa Deborah, Adejuwon Erioluwa Marvellous, and Eniayewun Joke.
