Entertainment
Experts Say Nigeria’s Adire Industry Could Grow Into a $1 Billion Global Business
Nigeria’s traditional Adire fabric could become one of the country’s biggest fashion success stories if the right investments are made, according to financial expert Dr. Tunde Bajela.
Speaking at the Adire Renaissance Stakeholders’ Engagement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bajela called on the Federal Government to invest more in Nigeria’s indigenous textile industry. He believes Adire has the potential to become a $1 billion global business while creating jobs, increasing exports, and boosting the country’s economy.
The event, themed “How Adire Becomes a $1 Billion Trade Asset from Africa to America and Beyond,” was organised by the Innovation Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (ICLED) in collaboration with Wessy College of Arts and Technology.
Adire Could Become a Global Fashion Brand
According to Bajela, Nigeria has a rare opportunity to position Adire as a globally recognised textile. While the country continues to import most of its textile materials, demand for African fashion and handmade fabrics is growing across the world.
He noted that Nigeria’s textile market is expected to grow from more than $9 billion in 2025 to over $16.62 billion by 2034.
He also pointed out that the global textile and apparel industry is worth an estimated $1.24 trillion.
“If Nigeria builds Adire into a $1 billion industry, we would still account for less than 0.01 percent of the global market,” Bajela said. “That shows just how much room there is for growth.”
According to him, investing in the Adire value chain would help local manufacturers and artisans compete in the international fashion market while strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Protecting What Makes Adire Special
Bajela also expressed concern about the increasing number of foreign-made fabrics that imitate traditional Adire designs.
He said these products pose a threat to local producers, but believes handcrafted Adire still has an advantage because of its authenticity and cultural value.
“The originality of handcrafted Adire cannot be copied,” he said. “Our products have an authenticity that gives them premium value in the international market because of the creativity of our local artisans and research institutions.”
He added that expanding Adire production would benefit several industries, including cotton farming, dye production and chemical processing. It would also create more employment opportunities, especially for women and young people.
To support the industry, Bajela proposed the creation of a dedicated Adire Fund that would provide affordable financing for artisans, manufacturers and businesses operating within the sector.
Ogun State Wants to Preserve Adire Heritage
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, said the state government remains committed to protecting Adire while promoting it as an important driver of economic growth.
According to her, Governor Dapo Abiodun has consistently used his public appearances to promote the locally made fabric.
“If you look at the Governor, he wears Adire with pride every day. He has become an ambassador for the fabric, supporting local artisans and strengthening the local economy,” she said.
Coker also revealed that public officials in Ogun State have been encouraged to wear Adire every Friday as part of efforts to increase the use of locally produced textiles.
She added that discussions are ongoing about introducing Adire-inspired school uniforms to encourage children to appreciate indigenous fabrics from an early age.
Government Moves to Tackle Foreign Imitations
Coker said the Ogun State Government is supporting policies to discourage the importation of machine-made fabrics that imitate authentic Adire, particularly those produced in China.
According to her, protecting local producers has become a priority as imitation products continue to affect the market.
“A lot is happening behind the scenes to protect local producers and preserve the authenticity of Adire,” she said.
Adire Hub Planned to Preserve History
Earlier, ICLED founder Prof. Olajumoke Familoni said the Adire Renaissance initiative was created to preserve the originality of Adire while giving young people, especially girls, opportunities to develop skills in entrepreneurship, textile production, science and technology.
She disclosed that plans are underway to establish an Adire Hub to preserve the fabric’s history while encouraging innovation in the industry.
The proposed centre will include an Adire museum, historical archives, exhibition galleries, original pattern collections and displays of locally made products such as bags, shoes and home décor.
Familoni also called on governments at every level to invest more in local manufacturing.
“As a nation, we cannot continue to import everything we need,” she said. “We must produce our own goods, not just food but textiles and other valuable products.“
Adire, which has its roots in Abeokuta among the Egba people of Ogun State, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most recognised indigenous fabrics. In recent years, governments, cultural advocates and industry stakeholders have intensified efforts to position it as a major non-oil export while creating more opportunities for local artisans and businesses.
Entertainment
Tracee Ellis Ross Makes a Powerful Broadway Debut in a Sculptural White Look Worthy of the Spotlight
There are career milestones, and then there are bucket list moments. For Tracee Ellis Ross, stepping onto a Broadway stage was the latter. After years of hoping for the opportunity, the actress finally made her Broadway debut, celebrating the achievement in a striking white ensemble that reflected her signature love for bold, artistic fashion.
The actress officially made her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing, the acclaimed one-person play that opened on July 7 at the Hudson Theatre. The production explores mental health, hope and the simple joys that make life worth living. It is a role that asks one actor to carry the entire performance, making this a major career moment for Ross.
Instead of reaching for a dramatic gown, she embraced modern elegance with an all-white look that was full of personality. The real star of the outfit was her sculptural sleeveless top, designed with oversized puff details around the waist and an open back that added an unexpected twist. It turned a simple colour palette into something artistic and unforgettable.
She paired the statement top with cropped white jeans finished with raw hems, proving that denim can still feel polished when styled with the right pieces. White flats kept the outfit relaxed without taking attention away from the top, while oversized crystal earrings added the perfect amount of sparkle. Her sleek bun completed the look, allowing every design detail to shine.
Tracee Ellis Ross has never been one to follow the usual fashion formula, and this outfit stayed true to that signature style. It was playful, confident and creative, reflecting the same fearless spirit she has brought to both fashion and acting throughout her career.
Stepping onto a Broadway stage is a milestone on its own. Doing it in a look that feels fresh, expressive and completely authentic to your personal style makes the moment even more unforgettable.
Photo: @traceeellisross | Instagram
Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, is taking a major step in his acting career as he prepares to perform in “55 Days,” a stage production at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
The Nigerian comedian, actor, content creator, and activist will play Lord Fairfax in the production, which runs from 15 to 18 July 2026. The play is part of Mountview’s postgraduate performance season, showcasing students from the academy’s MA Performance programme.
Mr Macaroni, who is currently studying for an MA in Performance at Mountview, joins his fellow students in what is regarded as one of the programme’s flagship productions of the year.
Written by acclaimed British playwright Howard Brenton, 55 Days first premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2012 and received widespread critical acclaim. The historical drama explores the final 55 days leading up to the execution of King Charles I in 1649, focusing on the political tensions and moral struggles that shaped one of the defining moments in British history. The production is directed by James Yeatman.
In the play, Mr Macaroni portrays Lord Fairfax, the commander-in-chief of the Parliamentary Army. The historical figure played a key role during the English Civil War and was one of the leading military and political figures of the period.
The role marks a different chapter for the Nigerian entertainer, who has built a loyal following through his comedy skits, memorable “Daddy Wa” character, and outspoken advocacy on social and political issues. While audiences know him for his humour and digital content, this stage production highlights another side of his talent as he continues to develop his craft through formal theatre training.
Over the years, Mr Macaroni has expanded beyond online comedy into film, television, and live performances. His decision to pursue postgraduate acting studies at Mountview Academy reflects his commitment to growing as a professional actor and exploring more challenging roles.
His appearance in 55 Days is expected to be a significant milestone in that journey, offering audiences the chance to see him in a dramatic historical production far removed from the comedy that first made him a household name.
Tems doesn’t stick to one style, but if you’ve followed her fashion journey, you’ve probably noticed one thing: she wears white really well.
Whether she’s attending an event, walking a red carpet, or posing for a photoshoot, white is a colour she keeps coming back to. And each time, she gives it a different feel. Sometimes it’s soft and elegant. Other times it’s bold and dramatic.
Here are four times Tems made white stand out:
The Blonde Hair Era
This look instantly caught attention. Tems paired a fitted white dress with a fluffy white coat and surprised fans with platinum blonde hair. It was a completely different side of her style, but it worked.
The combination of the textured coat, fitted silhouette, and bold beauty look gave the outfit an editorial feel, making it one of her most talked-about fashion moments.
Keeping It Simple on the Red Carpet
Not every standout look needs extra drama. For this appearance, Tems chose a sleek white satin gown with delicate straps and minimal jewellery.
The clean silhouette did all the talking, proving that a simple dress can be just as striking as a heavily embellished one.
A Different Take on White
Tems gave white another twist with a textured dress featuring a structured bodice and a detailed skirt. She completed the look with pearl jewellery, soft curls and rich burgundy lipstick.
The outfit blended classic elegance with modern styling, showing how she always finds a way to make familiar pieces feel fresh.
Soft and Effortless
For another appearance, Tems opted for a flowing white dress layered with a feather-trimmed shawl. The relaxed silhouette and understated styling created an effortlessly elegant look.
It was a softer side of her fashion, proving that she doesn’t always need bold details to leave a lasting impression. This feels much more natural for a fashion roundup and doesn’t force a conclusion. It simply lets the looks speak for themselves.
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