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Experts Say Nigeria’s Adire Industry Could Grow Into a $1 Billion Global Business

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Adire Industry
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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.

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Zendaya Greek Goddess Style in Khaite for The Odyssey

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Zendaya is leaving her superhero-inspired fashion moments behind and stepping into a new era of elegant, goddess-like dressing. As promotion for The Odyssey officially began in New York, the actress embraced a look inspired by Greek mythology, perfectly reflecting her role as Athena in the highly anticipated film.

Known for blending fashion with the characters she portrays, Zendaya once again proved why she’s regarded as one of Hollywood’s most exciting style stars. Working alongside longtime stylist Law Roach, she wore a striking look from Khaite’s Resort 2027 collection that felt both modern and timeless.

The outfit featured a beautifully draped ivory blouse with a deep V-neckline that created an effortless, flowing silhouette. A black leather cord belt, decorated with subtle gold embellishments, cinched the waist and added contrast to the soft ivory fabric. The blouse flowed into a matching semi-sheer A-line midi skirt, creating a graceful look that echoed the elegance of ancient Greek clothing while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Zendaya Greek goddess style
Photo: Getty Images

The neutral colour palette, fluid fabrics and minimalist styling gave the ensemble an ethereal feel, making it an ideal choice for the beginning of The Odyssey press tour. Rather than relying on dramatic accessories, the focus remained on the clean lines and movement of the outfit, allowing the design to speak for itself.

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Zendaya has become well known for method dressing, using fashion to reflect the films she is promoting. During previous press tours, she embraced futuristic and superhero-inspired looks, but this latest appearance marks a graceful shift into mythology-inspired elegance. The Khaite ensemble perfectly captures the strength, wisdom, and sophistication often associated with Athena, the Greek goddess she portrays in the film.

If this first appearance is any indication, fans can expect many more memorable fashion moments throughout The Odyssey press tour. Zendaya and Law Roach have once again demonstrated their ability to turn every public appearance into a fashion event, and this Grecian-inspired Khaite look sets the tone beautifully for the journey ahead.

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Diiadem Just Made the Ruffle Dress Feel Like the Most Glamorous Trend of the Year

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Ruffle dresses have never really left the fashion conversation. Season after season, designers find new ways to reinvent it, proving that ruffles are far more than a romantic detail. They have become a symbol of confidence, movement and unapologetic glamour. From couture runways to celebrity wardrobes, the modern ruffle dress has evolved into a statement piece that commands attention without saying a word. And Diiadem’s latest look is a reminder of exactly why this trend continues to reign.

This isn’t a dress trying to be subtle. It is volume, texture and drama working together with remarkable precision. Every cascading ruffle has been strategically layered to create dimension rather than chaos, giving the silhouette an architectural quality that feels high fashion instead of overly feminine. The ivory shade keeps the look polished, allowing the extravagant construction to become the focal point.

The beauty of this dress lies in its fearless construction. Every ruffle is carefully layered to create depth, giving the silhouette a sculptural finish that feels closer to couture than occasion wear. Instead of looking busy, the volume feels controlled, allowing the eye to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every fold.

The styling is equally intentional. A sleek high bun creates clean lines that complement the fullness of the dress, while fresh, polished makeup keeps everything refined. Barely there heels introduce just enough simplicity to balance the extravagance above, creating a look that feels sophisticated from head to toe.

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What truly makes this outfit unforgettable is the confidence behind it. Diiadem understands that statement dressing is not about wearing the biggest piece in the room. It is about wearing it with poise. She allows the dress to make an impact without competing with it, and that balance is what makes the entire look feel effortlessly chic.

If there was ever proof that maximalism is having one of its strongest style eras, this look is it. Bold, chic and impossibly glamorous.

Ruffle dress

Photo: @diiadem | Instagram

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Can AI Help Fashion Designers Make More Money?

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the biggest conversations in business today, and the fashion industry is no exception. From generating marketing content to creating product images and helping with customer communication, AI is finding its way into the daily operations of many fashion brands.

For fashion designers in Nigeria, however, the question is not whether AI exists. It is whether it can actually help them make more money. So, can AI help fashion designers make more money?

The answer is yes, but not in the way many people think. AI is not a machine that automatically increases sales or replaces creativity. Instead, it helps designers save time, improve how they work, and create more opportunities to grow their businesses.

AI Cannot Replace Good Fashion

No matter how advanced AI becomes, it cannot sew a wedding dress, perfect a fitting, or understand the satisfaction a customer feels when an outfit fits perfectly.

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Fashion is still built on craftsmanship, creativity, and relationships. Customers choose designers because of their skill, attention to detail, and reputation. AI cannot replace those qualities.

What it can do is reduce the amount of time designers spend on tasks that are not directly related to sewing or designing.

AI help fashion designers

Saving Time Means Making More Money

Many fashion designers wear several hats every day. They are the designer, customer service representative, marketer, photographer, social media manager, and business owner all at once.

That leaves very little time to focus on what actually generates income.

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AI can help with many of these everyday tasks. It can suggest Instagram captions, write product descriptions, create email newsletters, generate ideas for social media posts, and even help draft replies to common customer questions.

If a designer spends two hours every day creating content or responding to repetitive messages, AI can reduce that workload significantly. Those saved hours can then be invested in taking more orders, improving quality, or serving customers better.

Better Marketing Without Hiring a Team

Marketing is one of the biggest challenges for small fashion businesses. Many designers know how to make beautiful clothes but struggle to explain their work online or create content consistently.

AI makes this easier.

A designer can use AI to brainstorm campaign ideas, write promotional copy, organise content calendars, or generate fresh ideas when creativity runs low. Instead of staring at a blank screen wondering what to post, they can focus on refining ideas that reflect their brand.

This does not replace human creativity. It simply helps overcome creative blocks and saves valuable time.

Understanding Customers Better

Successful fashion businesses do more than make good clothes. They understand their customers.

AI can help analyse customer feedback, identify common questions, and spot buying patterns. Over time, these insights can help designers understand which styles sell faster, what customers ask for most often, and when demand is highest.

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Making decisions based on information rather than guesswork often leads to better business outcomes.

AI Can Improve Customer Experience

Customers appreciate fast responses, clear communication, and regular updates. However, replying to every message can become overwhelming, especially during busy periods.

AI tools can help draft responses, organise inquiries, and assist with frequently asked questions. While customers still value speaking with a real person, AI can reduce delays and make communication more efficient.

This creates a better experience for customers while giving designers more time to focus on production.

It Is Not About Replacing People

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it replaces jobs.

For most fashion designers, AI is more like an assistant than a replacement. It cannot take measurements, select fabrics, or understand the emotional significance of a wedding dress or a custom outfit.

Instead, it handles repetitive tasks that often consume valuable hours. The designer remains the creative force behind the business.

The Biggest Opportunity Is Productivity

The designers who are likely to benefit the most from AI are not necessarily the biggest brands. They are often the small businesses that have limited staff and limited time.

Imagine reducing administrative work by a few hours every week. That extra time could be used to take additional orders, improve customer service, learn new techniques, or simply rest before the next busy period.

Sometimes making more money is not only about increasing prices or finding more customers. It is also about working more efficiently.

There is growing excitement around AI, but it is important to keep expectations realistic.

AI will not turn an average fashion business into a successful one overnight. It cannot replace quality workmanship, excellent customer service, or consistent delivery. If those foundations are missing, no technology can fix them.

However, for designers who already produce great work, AI can become a valuable business tool that helps them operate more efficiently and reach more customers.

The Future Belongs to Designers Who Adapt

Fashion has always evolved alongside technology. Sewing machines changed production. Social media changed marketing. Digital payments changed how customers buy.

AI is simply the next stage of that evolution.

The designers who learn how to use it wisely will not stop being creative. They will simply have more time to focus on creativity while technology helps with the repetitive parts of running a business.

In the end, AI is unlikely to make money on behalf of fashion designers. But it can help fashion designers build businesses that are more organised, more productive, and ultimately, more profitable.

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