…Urges Ekiti Assembly to enact laws to promote usage of Ekiti Adire
By Sunday Daramola
As Nigerians celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the President of a group in the diaspora, Ekiti Kete Coalition, USA, Hon. Joe Olugbamila has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration, noting that Nigeria is still a work in progress.
According to him “while we mark this milestone, we cannot but reflect on the journey thus far and the state of our democracy.
In a statement, Hon Olugbamila says “We are not there yet, and it’s a slow movement but I don’t think we are moving backward, despite the return to civilian rule, we have not witnessed significant advancements in social democracy, and has not translated to economic prosperity for Nigerians. It is a stark reminder that our democracy is still a work in progress”
He charged President Bola Tinubu to intesify efforts the more on resucitating the critical areas, including security, job creation, arrest of inflation, and restructuring, for the socio-economic development of the country and the welfare of its citizens.
Hon. Olugbamila expressed optimism in the ability of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to addressing the challenges facing the country and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in their collective journey towards a greater nation.
The group’s President noted that with the right attitude and commitment the country would overcome the challenges and achieve a better Nigeria in brotherhood.
“As a Nation, we are filled with hope and promises of a better future which can only be achieved if we are focused and I want to urge every Nigerian to remain hopeful and steadfast in our collective journey towards a greater nation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He paid tribute to individuals who played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including Chief MKO Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others, which paved the way for the opportunities Nigerians now have to build on for a better nation.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our heroes past and present who fought for our freedom and rights. We honour their memory by continuing to strive for a better Nigeria, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive..
The President of the group also called on the lawmakers in Ekiti state to promulgate laws that will help promote the usage of the Ekiti Adire in all strata of the state to boost socio-economic activities in the state.
Hon. Olugbamila acknowledged a former lawmaker, Congressman Bimbo Daramola who had called for the enactment of a bill for an Act to protect, advance, encourage and sustain the production and growth of Ekiti Adire.
He said that the act will make it mandatory for all primary and secondary Schools in the state to dedicate a day for all Teachers and students to wear Ekiti Adire as school uniform, same applies to Civil Servants, State lawmakers among others.
Hon. Olugbamila said that a foremost Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi encouraged indians to weave their own cloth in response to economic exploitation by the British in the textile industry which was a major source of income for the British then.
He charged authorities in the state to key into the vision of Gandhi which promoted self sufficiency of his people, leading Indian to be transformed into an export country.
The Secretary of the Association, Hajia Opeyemi Oni also felicitated Nigerians on the occasion of the Anniversary and called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to continue to support the Asiwaju Tinubu in his quest to transforming and changing the lives of the people.
On the promulgation of law and promoting the usage of Ekiti Adire among indigenes of the state, Hajia Opeyemi noted that it became imperative to as a matter of urgency come up with the bill to help simulate a local demand for the Ekiti Adire.
