Yaba Tech artists on mission to revive interests in local textiles

The prevailing economic situation in Nigeria is actually driving many to look inward by utilising indigenous resources and locally made goods especially in the textile industry.
Some years ago, our traditional and culturally based fabrics were exported, dignifying the rich African culture in weaving, tie and dye, batik and others, with African motifs and symbols that were in high demand by foreigners because of their high quality, durability and aesthetics.
It is the passion to revive this creative value and resource and to stimulate people’s interest in locally made fabrics that moved some young artists from the Textile Department of Yaba College of Technology to stage an all–textile art exhibition recently. The exhibition showcased the beauty and strength of made-in-Nigerian textile designs and how it can be explored for various functional purposes. Among the products designed with textiles and on display were cane chairs with local fabrics, assorted utility materials like belts, wristwatch straps, sandal shoes, bags and many others products.
The exhibiting textile artists numbering about 15 include Sherifdeen Agbabiaka, Tijani Azeezat, Ajadi Oluwatobi, Bankole Idowu, Iyerokun Oluwafumilala and others. In their views, self-reliance is the motivating factor, having noticed that economic situation, unemployment and overdependence in foreign made goods have relegated indigenous products to the background. The young artists also appealed to the Federal government of Nigeria to appreciate the abundant talents Nigeria has and support made-in-Nigeria goods by making loans available and providing needed infrastructure for sustainable economic development.