Groundbreaking ceremony of technology-driven Aso Oke weaving centre holds in Ogbomoso - see completion date

Groundbreaking ceremony of technology-driven Aso Oke weaving centre holds in Ogbomoso – see completion date

Inaolaji OLAYODE

The vision to make Ogbomoso a hub of industry, innovation and commerce received a boost Thursday as the groundbreaking ceremony of the Fedegbo Mega Aso-Ofi Weaving Centre was performed by the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

The modern weaving centre located at the Oyo state Ultra Modern Market, LAUTECH area, is a project being undertaken by a military officer of Ogbomoso origin Rear Admiral Sunday Oyegade under the auspices of the Nigerian Army.

The Areago laying the foundation on behalf of the Soun

The Iyalode

The historic ceremony performed by the Areago of Ogbomosoland High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin on behalf of the monarch who was unavoidably absent also had in attendance, the Iyalode of Ogbomosoland Chief Mrs. Rebecca Ogundare, Onifedegbo of Fedegbo, Oba Gbolagunte Olaosebikan Takutanpa 1, representatives of the Oyegade clan led by Mr. Adejumo Oyegade, the donor represented by the Commandant of The Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Iresapa, Ogbomoso, Captain Evelyn, chairman of Ogbomoso Parapo home headquarters, Prince Aderemi Olude, market leaders, among others.

Oba Olaoye enthusing about the development through a post in his social media handles described the donor as an “Illustrious son” and “a true believer in our 25-Year Developmental Plan — who has chosen to give back to his roots in a profound way.”

The monarch further remarked, “This is not just a building — this is a future.”

Pa Adejumo Oyegade who led the Oyegade clan to the ceremony

Captain Evelyn

He disclosed the centre will be a modern work station for promotion of culture, commerce and creativity and will encompass weaving unit, training section and other work spaces, “where our children can learn a timeless craft — turning skill into income, and tradition into transformation.”

The Oba stressed, “Every stone laid here is part of the legacy we are building — a legacy of industry, dignity, and self-reliance,” while effusively applauding the donor. “To the son of the soil who made this bold move — Ogbomoso is proud of you. I am proud of you. Future generations will rise and call you blessed.”

This is as the Kabiyesi charged other indigenes to strive to contribute to the development of the community. “Let us all be inspired. This is the Ogbomoso we are building — together.”

Captain Evelyn who represented the donor noted the weaving centre would be a constant reminder “of our culture.”

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Soun to perform foundation laying ceremony of modern Aso-Ofi weaving centre in Ogbomoso

She asserted, “our culture will never be lost,” pointing out the centre would be a skill acquisition centre for the community “which will open ways for employments. People will have work to do.”

She was confident the project would boost the city’s economy, saying, “I understand that in December you normally have a festival, now, instead of going out long distance to buy things like beads, Aso – Oke fabrics, etc, you get them here, so it’s a good thing. It will help our community.”

Rev’d Peter Olaleye Special Assistant on Media and Community Relations to Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, speaking at the event explained the centre would be in two phases, the first phase would house the traditional weaving loom while the second phase would incorporate technology with installation of modern weaving machines and leverage on automation. He informed that while the mega weaving centre is being built a mini one would also be built at Fedegbo at Osupa, the home of Aso – Ofi in Ogbomoso, noting the construction of the latter will be funded personally by Oba Olaoye.

Olaleye stated that the Fedegbo Mega Aso-Ofi Weaving Centre will have in addition, “show room, restaurant, change room and toilets,” revealing “Kabiyesi personally included those facilities in the architectural design, which demonstrates His Majesty’s commitment. It is certain to boost local economy and unlock our potentials.”