Textile Artist And Teacher Gasali Adeyemo Features on 'Messengers
Textile artist and teacher Gasali Adeyemo talks about preserving Nigeria’s traditional textiles -like batik, adire, itinochi, and akwocha -his humble childhood, his biggest influences, and the next generation.
Africa-Related New York
Textile Artist Gasali Adeyemo dicusses the Yoruba art of Adire (tye-dye) making.
From modest beginnings to becoming a leading voice in textile preservation, Gasali Adeyemo shares a journey rooted in craft, culture, and continuity.
In this episode of Messengers with Oyiza, Gasali explores the rich history and cultural significance of traditional Nigerian textiles from Adire and Batik to Itinochi and Akwocha and the urgent need to preserve these indigenous techniques for future generations.
He shares his experience styling Viola Davis in the film "The Woman King". He also reflects on his early influences like Nike Art Gallery (@nikeartgallery), the discipline behind mastering textile artistry, and the responsibility of passing down knowledge in a rapidly changing world.
This is a conversation about heritage, identity, and the role of artists as custodians of culture.
Follow Gasali @yoruba_indigo. Watch now on Spotify.
‘MESSENGERS with Oyiza’ is an engaging interview TV/podcast series hosted by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba. Produced by Africa-Related and recorded remotely from New York and on location, the show blends relaxed conversations with interviews of selected guests who discuss topics about Africa for a global audience. The conversations aim to bridge divides, correct misconceptions, and spark positive discussion about Africa and its people. Each 30-minute episode features inspiring stories, creative graphics, video clips, and background reports. The series focuses on Africa's People, Places and Issues.
For more stories told from an African perspective, follow us at africarelatedinc
#AfricaRelated #AfricanArt #art #podcast #conversation #artist #messengerswithoyiza #Messengers #AfricaRelated #TextileArt #adire #batik #CulturalHeritage #TheWomanKing #oyizaadaba
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T.A.L Board Visits Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene
Site Visit to Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene
By Glory Ize Isaiah
OKENE, KOGI STATE
Group Photo of Tom Adaba Legacy Team and Ita’i Weavers during the site visit on July 25, 2025. (Photo by DrQuest/Africa-Related)
Project/Facility Name: Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene, Home of Itai’ Our Cloth
Date of Visit: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: T.A.L Center G.R.A Okene, Kogi State
Board Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation conducted a site visit to Okene, Kogi State. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an inspection and engagement tour of the Tom Adaba Legacy Center, evaluate the operations of Itai’ Our Cloth, interact with the weavers and apprentices, identify challenges and opportunities for scale, and strengthen stakeholder relations with the Tom Adaba Legacy board, including its Executive director and accompanying executives.
Attendees
Mrs. Oyiza Adaba-Okereke - Board President/ED Tom Adaba Legacy and CEO - Itai Our Cloth
Mr. Maurice Okereke - Tom Adaba Legacy (Community Initiatives) /Founder, Words By MOE
Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye - Country Director Ita’i Our Cloth
Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation
Weavers’ Coordinators
Community Weavers & Apprentices
Media Personnels
And other Staff
Visit Narrative & Key Highlights
The official site visitation commenced at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Board President and Executive Director of Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation arrived in the company of her husband and board members. The atmosphere at the facility was electrifying as the women weavers, visibly overjoyed, welcomed the team with songs and dances in their local dialect, a heartfelt expression of gratitude and excitement.
The Executive Director responded warmly, asking after each woman's welfare and inquiring about their families. Led by the Country Director and the Weavers’ Coordinators, the women took the E.D and her team on a guided tour of the center, showing the facility and ongoing work.
The weavers, excited by the presence of the leadership team, quickly resumed their craft while the Executive Director observed them at work. Demonstrating deep interest and solidarity, she sat beside them, learned the basics of weaving, and participated in the process, showing humility and respect for their skill.
Mrs. Adaba-Okereke later engaged in deep, sincere conversations with the young apprentices who are currently undergoing training in weaving. They expressed how learning this trade has shifted their perspectives on life, offering them not just a skill, but a path toward independence and self-determination. However, they also raised concerns: the tradition of weaving is slowly fading, with fewer young people interested in carrying it on. They voiced hope that more efforts would be made to preserve and promote the craft, particularly among youth.
In response to questions about their future aspirations, several young women expressed their desire to pursue higher education and use weaving as a means to support themselves and their families financially while in school.
A particularly emotional moment came during a conversation with an older woman who demonstrated the rare and laborious art of spinning cotton into yarn by hand, a nearly extinct skill in today’s world. The woman explained the intricate process and how the younger generation often lacks interest in learning it. Acknowledging this, the Executive Director stressed the need for machinery to support scaling operations, noting that such investment could provide technical jobs, increase production, and bring long-term sustainability. She emphasized that cotton processed locally, such as from the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Farms in Gwagwalada and Osara, can contribute significantly to national and continental development.
Mrs Oyiza Adaba-Okereke maintained that the Center remains committed to training more youths, particularly young girls, equipping them with both cultural knowledge and economic empowerment through weaving.
She was visibly moved by the work being done and expressed deep admiration for the weavers’ dedication. She commended the women for leveraging their skills, even in the absence of formal education, to support their families, educate their children, and preserve a vital part of the Ebira cultural identity.
The visit culminated in a display of beautifully woven cloths, showcasing the weavers’ incredible craftsmanship. The team was deeply impressed by the quality and intricacy of the works presented.
Finally, an open forum was held, giving the women a platform to share their struggles, celebrate their wins, and brainstorm collaboratively on how to take the organisation’s vision to the next level, strategies for market value, and how to make sure that in telling our unique African story, the culture is not lost in sharing.
Vision for Global Scale & Market Impact
The ED made it clear: This is not just about the cloth. This is about telling a generational story, celebrating the resilience and brilliance of Ebira women, and positioning their work on the global cultural and commercial map.
She emphasized that the goal is to scale the Itai Cloth brand globally, not just for decorative or tourist appeal, but as a luxury heritage product that commands attention, respect, and value in international markets. These woven pieces are wearable history, textile testimonies, and economic vehicles. She spoke about attracting new markets, partnering with international brands and diaspora communities, and using the craft as a tool to reclaim and project indigenous identity with pride.
“We are not just weaving. We are building a cultural economy. We want the world to wear our story. We want our women’s legacy to be seen on runways, in boardrooms, and on global stages. This culture has been ours for decades. It’s time the world saw it, valued it, and paid for it.”
This vision goes beyond production. It encompasses:
Exporting products under a globally recognized Ita’i Our Cloth label
Building brand collaborations that center African textile heritage
Creating digital storytelling platforms for each weaver's narrative
Generating revenue that flows directly into the hands of the creators
Facility Condition & Need for Support
The current facility structure is makeshift and temporary, lacking the solid infrastructure needed for a center of this scale and vision. Despite this, the women have continued to produce excellent work, an inspiring testament to their commitment and resilience.
However, the need for a permanent, well-equipped weaving hub was evident throughout the visit.
Support and partnerships are urgently needed, to provide machinery for cotton processing and weaving, improve infrastructure, fund training programs, enhance market access, and scale production sustainably. Strategic collaborations with private sector partners, government agencies, cultural institutions, and global allies will be critical in turning this bold vision into a living, thriving reality.
Key Observations
The weaving center is a powerful model for economic and cultural empowerment.
There’s an urgent need to introduce technology to certain aspects of cloth production (especially yarn spinning) to meet growing demand and ensure sustainability.
A gap remains in attracting young people into the weaving trade, this presents a risk to cultural continuity.
The community has strong emotional and cultural ties to the craft, and preserving it will require intentional efforts across education, policy, and entrepreneurship.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS : DRQuest/Africa-Related
Tom Adaba Legacy Champions ROOTS RUNWAY
A flagship project that is aimed at reviving cotton farming in Nigeria and globally promoting the ancient Ebira weaving tradition, has been announced.
Press Release:
Tom Adaba Legacy Champions ROOTS RUNWAY - A Community-Driven Initiative
A flagship project that is aimed at reviving cotton farming in Nigeria and globally promoting the ancient Ebira weaving tradition, has been announced.
ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA, August 9, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Tom Adaba Legacy - an Abuja-based non-profit foundation with education at its core, in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth , Africa-Related Inc is proud to introduce its upcoming community-engaging project entitled Roots Runway. The aim is to grace global runways with designs made from locally produced cotton, woven by the popular Ebira Weavers in Okene, Nigeria, central Nigeria.
“What we have in mind is to raise standards, particularly in areas that have been forgotten. To bring back the good old ones, and raise them to greater heights and international standards.”
Roots Runway was launched on the eve of veteran broadcaster and Chief Patron, Tom Adaba's 83rd Birthday on July 2, 2024. It applies a multi-pronged approach to reviving the local cotton production and processing in Nigeria while serving to bridge historical disconnects through farming and fashion. It works by forming clusters of local farmers and weavers, creating jobs for youth, training in the cotton production process, revisiting ancient and creating new designs; and engaging artistic communities to use locally produced yarn for designs that will ultimately feature in prestigious global museums, runways, art fairs, etc.
Tom Adaba Legacy Board President, award-winning filmmaker Mrs. Oyiza Adaba-Okereke spoke at the hybrid launch, outlining plans to incorporate sub themes about environment, agro-waste, history, education and community development in the project. She said they will form partnerships in agriculture, design & construction and technology.
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Judith Pam-Tok Speaks on Plateau Killings
Abuja-based designer and founder of 2fafii clothing line Mrs Judith Pam-Tok speaks on how fashion is fueling her humanitarian mission in her home state of Plateau.
Abuja-based designer and founder of 2fafii clothing line Mrs Judith Pam-Tok speaks on how fashion is fueling her humanitarian mission in her home state of Plateau.
Judith Yop Pam-Tok is an Abuja based Fashion Designer who is very passionate about adding value to her local community of Heipang, Barakin Ladi LGA, of Plateau state. On most occasions, she can be found here, miles away from the comfort of her nuclear family and her business in Nigeria's capital, but she is not complaining as she is passionate about what she does. Her mission in this rural area is purely humanitarian. Her non-profit, Garlyn Foundation's work is mainly with the indigent people of her home community and victims/survivors of herdsmen attacks in that community
Here is how you can help
+234Art Fair Holds First Edition In Lagos
There is a brand-new Nigerian art fair dedicated to supporting emerging artists that is coming up in Lagos from 22nd to 31st March, 2024. +234Art Fair is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria by providing a platform that supports emerging artists and encourages art acquisition.
+234Art Fair is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry
There is a brand-new Nigerian art fair dedicated to supporting emerging artists that is coming up in Lagos. It’s called the +234 Art Fair and will run from 22nd to 31st March, 2024.
+234Art Fair is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria by providing a platform that supports emerging artists and encourages increased interest in art acquisition, thereby contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local art sector as well as its international recognition.
The 2024 theme for the +234 Art Fair is “Heritage”, aimed at young artists to explore ways in which they can build practices that tie to the past but also create new futures. The fair seeks to explore the development of young artists in order to give inspiration and insight on how the creation of an indigenous style contributes to global reach and success.
The Venue for the Fair is the new Ecobank Pan-African Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. The programme of events include Masterclasses that will treat subjects such as African Art in the Global Art Market, The Business of Photography, Bridging Time: Connecting Heritage and Modernity in Nigerian Art, How to Navigate the International Art Scene as a Local Artist, Artistic Research, Grant Writing, Navigating Biennales and Museums in Contemporary Art
Panelists include Florence Lynch, a New York-based art dealer, Alain Ngann a photographer artist, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a Nigerian creative photographer, Oluwatoyin Sogbesan an architect, a cultural historian, Jess Castellote, the Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art; and many more
The exhibition’s title, “+234Art,” cleverly merges Nigeria’s country calling code (+234) with the encompassing term “Art,” serving as an all-encompassing representation of the contemporary Nigerian art scene and its interconnectedness with the broader African and global art community. This free-entry fair offers an immersive showcase of painting, photography, and sculpture, providing the public with an upclose look at the latest creative endeavours of emerging artists and photographers in Nigeria.
For more info on +234 Art Fair
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Adinkra Craft Village Ntonso Benefits From U.S. Sorority
A tale of two communities - Adinkra Village, Ntonso is home to Ghana’s ancient tradition of weaving, dying, stamping, stitching and symbols. Over the Christmas holidays, an Indianapolis Sorority stopped by to fulfill their own developmental pledge.
Head of Family Peter “Alhaji” Boakye drinks from the new water pump facility shortly after commissioning, donated by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Photo by Adinkra Village, Ntonso
Oyiza adaba
fortune ehiwayAs
December 27, 2023
A tale of two communities - Adinkra Village, Ntonso is home to Ghana’s ancient tradition of weaving, dying, stamping, stitching and symbols. Over the Christmas holidays, an Indianapolis Sorority stopped by to fulfill their own developmental pledge.
Infrastructure funding in Ghana by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
December 2023 was when the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc embarked on a “journey of transformation” to the West African country of Ghana. Their aim was to mark their second anniversary by donating funds to the growth and development of some select parts of Ghana. The Sorority founded by seven African-American women from Butler University Indianapolis and led by the international President, Rasheeda S. Liberty undertook this as a philanthropic mission, by tagging the experience, “Transformative 2023 Birthright Journey to Ghana”.
This commissioning ceremony was held on December 27, 2023 in the village center. The Abusuapayin (Elders from the Royal family of Ntonso) - Nana Yaw Poku, family members, along with some dignitaries and resident Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Matthias Korankye hosted the sorority President and members.
The non-profit women's organization, committed to service, sisterhood, scholarships and sisterhood, has mentorships and development initiatives at its core. They had visited various areas in Ghana, and funded the toilet and water plumbing facility in Ntonso, near Kumasi, with a renewed gaze set on promoting a healthy and hygienic environment for its habitants. The community was delighted to host the Sorority, as they had done many times in the past with its constant stream of tourists.
School children in attendance of the commissioning. Photo by Adinkra Craft Village, Ntonso
In her speech Sorority President Rasheeda S. Liberty cited the group's interest in the development of the communities and fostering a lasting and meaningful relationship as a testament to their commitment to service.
The event marked a historical moment in Ntonso, Ghana, that brought out the entire community, including school children.
about Adinkra CRAFT Village Ntonso
Located near Kumasi, Ntonso is known as the homeland of the hand dying and stamping of Adinkra symbols on Ghana’s most popular cloth - the Kente. It is also regarded as a beautiful tourist site, that yearly hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the world. The community spirit is felt by visitors, both old and young under the leadership of Peter Boakye, popularly known as Alhaji.
In his inherited role as the current Head of Family, since taking the reins from his Uncle who passed away in 2016 Boakye says he doesn't take it for granted. He does his best in continuing in the tradition handed down by his forebears - to build an organized community structure with attention to duties and details. Ntonso remains a tourist haven that takes time to teach and offer classes about the origins and techniques of Ghana’s ancient symbols. In Ntonso tradition, the men continue to weave, while the women do the dye jobs.
Adinkra Craft Village, Ntonso is featured in the biographical documentary DELA, as one of the early influences in the art of El Anatsui - the globally reconignized Sculptor.
Photo/Video by Adinkra Craft Village Ntonso
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Eternal Rest To A Media Icon - High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi
Africa-Related condoles with The Dokepsi and DAAR Family on the passing of "Chairman" High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi. Eternal rest to one who has been most supportive of an independent media and of us at Africa-Related. Rest In Peace Sir, Produced by Oyiza Adaba © 2023 An @Africa -Related Production
Africa-Related ABUJA
““The average Nigerian youth finds it impossible to find employment...””
Africa-Related condoles with The Dokepsi and DAAR Family on the passing of "Chairman" High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi. Eternal rest to one who has been most supportive of an independent media and of us at Africa-Related. Rest In Peace Sir. Video by Africa-Related
REST IN PERFECT PEACE
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VIDEO - Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At NYAFF On Film Xalé
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
Africa-Related New York
““We need to change the way we educate...””
Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At 30th New York African Film Festival On Women-focused Film Xalé. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video by Africa-Related
The New York African Film Festival is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
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Xalé Opens The 30th New York African Film Festival
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
By Oyiza Adaba, Africa-Related New York
Photo by Africa-Related
““Culture Is Like A Strong Army””
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
For movie lovers, it is a real treat, as the week-long festival ending on June 1st is hosting an incredible lineup of events showcasing African films at various landmarks locations in the city including FLC, Maysles Documentary Center, and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The festival’s roster is graced with directors and producers representing 50 films from 25 countries. All week long, fans can count on enjoying close proximity to the talented African film industry names like Guy Kazadi, Ery Claver, Tunde Kelani, Nolitha Mkulisi, Yeelen Cohen, Ifeyinwa Arinze, Florence Ayisi, Fatou Cisse, Alex Rappoport, and a host of others
Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated the Q & A with director Moussa Sène Absa. Photo by Africa-Related
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video: Highlights of the 30th New York African Film Festival at Film at Lincoln Center. Video by Africa-Related
Mahen Bonetti, Executive Director NY African Film Festival. Photo by Oluwaseye Olusa
The New York African Film Festival was founded “to reflect on the myriad ways African and diaspora filmmakers have used the moving image to tell complex nuanced stories of cultural and aesthetic significance”.
In a chat with Africa-Related, Executive Director Mahen Bonetti attributed the festival’s growth over the years to collaborations and comradeship between creatives, which shows Africa’s deep-rooted stories are yet to be fully explored.
Opening Night: Photo Gallery
Films showing include Hyperlink, Employee of the Month, Cordelia, Ota Benga, A Daughter’s Tribute To Her Father, Den Muso, Know Your Place, Our Lady Of The Chinese Shop, and others. Ticket are available here
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CALL FOR DESIGNERS: 2nd TinCity Fashion Week
TinCity Fashion Week calls for indigenous and international designers
By Africa-Related New York
Are you a budding designer based in Nigeria or abroad? Would you like to showcase your designs on a global platform that works directly with grassroots communities? If your answer is ‘Yes’, here is the perfect opportunity for you!
TinCity Fashion Week is an annual event that lights up creative fashionable minds in the city of Jos every November.
See photos and highlights from the TCFW 2021 Guodo edition with Ita'i Our Cloth showcasing the Ebira woven cloth.
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SPOTLIGHT ON GUODO: ITA'I @ 1st TINCITY Fashion Week
The spotlight is cast on one of the oldest woven cloth pieces from the middle belt region of Nigeria…
Words: Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: TCFW/Africa-Related
Jos, Plateau State NIGERIA
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Ita'i Our Cloth, a weaving social enterprise based in Okene Kogi State recently showcased at the TinCity Fashion Week, which took place in the city of Jos, Plateau State in November 2021.
The first edition highlighted the Guodo - the woven cloth of the ethnic groups found across the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria. Participating designers were thrilled to deliver their creative interpretations and transform the runway for three nights in Jos!
Ita’i featured designers like Zizi Cardow and Morino, who worked with the Okene/Ebira woven cloth . The event was organised by Ms. Christabel Bentu of TCFW and supported by various sponsors.
Read more about the historical significance and the many uses of the Guodo Cloth below.
Historical Background
It has been observed by stakeholders in the FASHION and THE CREATIVE industry on the PLATEAU and the MIDDLE BELT region of Nigeria that there is a CRITICAL NEED to revive and promote the local textiles and fashion industries in order to rekindle a general interest among the people of Central Nigeria and by extension Nigeria and globally in patronizing our indigenous traditional fabric and designs.
This is to ensure that the local industries are sustained at home and in the global market. This will also serve as forum for the Preservation, Promotion and Presentation of our unique and rich traditional fabrics. It will further create job opportunities for millions of unemployed youths, thus reducing the incidence of extreme poverty within the already highly marginalized region.
2021 PROGRAMME CONTENT
(A)TEXTILE FAIR
This event will involve textile, weavers and accessories produced and displayed by the traditional fabric manufacturers and producers from the MIDDLE BELT REGION states:- Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states. They will converge in Jos and at an Event center to display a variety of traditional fabrics, accessories etc to the public and for sale---a kind of textile market for the JOS FASHION WEEK.
(B) FASHION SHOW
This Event will bring together FASHION DESIGNERS from these six States to display their designs in an organized show with emphasis on fabrics from the six earmarked States of the Middle Belt Region .
(C) STAR APPEARANCES
This will feature Nationally and Internationally known fashion designers, putting up a show-appearance to add value to the entire event. Similarly, Music stars, Comedians, Actors, Star footballers etc to perform/show up at the event for Endowment.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To introduce the Middle Belt region traditional fabrics to the Nigerian/Global market.
2. To Promote and Create a market local textile and fashion designers within the area of coverage.
3. To provide a platform for Exchange of ideas among producers in order to enhance standards for National and International recognitions and patronage.
4. To promote Middle belt dress culture and provide a tourist market that would sustain the viability of the industry.
5. To showcase the creations of promising designers newly introduced to the fashion world.
6. To help strengthen the Entertainment and Creative industries on the Plateau, thereby restoring it's lost glory.
7. To provide at forum for fostering PEACE AND UNITY among all Nigerians.
PROJECTING GUODO - Africa Fashion Week
BRIEF HISTORY OF PLATEAU STATE
The name PLATEAU is derived from the nature and form of its prominent landmass, which is largely occupied by Rocks, Hills, Mountains ETC.
Out of the original area coverage created initially, two States later emerged out of PLATEAU STATE namely BENUE and NASSARAWA STATES. These three states namely PLATEAU, NASSARAWA and BENUE STATES make up the center of the Geographical area called the Middle Belt region. Other states within the Middle belt region include TARABA, KOGI, NIGER and SOUTHERN PART OF KADUNA STATES.
Historically, these six/seven States have similar cultures having migrated from the famous KWARARAFA KINGDOM. The dances, dress code, language, values and norms of the people have similarities. This is why our proposed programme plans to concentrate largely on the indigenous fabrics and designs from the Middle Belt region
Source: TinCity Fashion Week
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WOMEN ENTERPRISE ITA'I FEATURES WEAVING AT 1st TEDx OKENE 2021
HAND-WOVEN social enterprise, ITA'I - OUR CLOTH showcased their collection of Ebira woven Cloth at the first ever TEDx Okene on January 30, 2021
By Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: David Araga/Africa-Related
Photo: David Araga/Africa-Related (2021)
ITA'I - OUR CLOTH is an exclusive HAND-WOVEN social enterprise rooted in Okene, with operations in Lagos, Nigeria and New York City recently showcased its collection at the first ever TEDx Okene.
Founded in 2019, this global brand with a home-felt impact is dedicated to bringing a modern approach to preserving, presenting and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage through the woven cloth; and in line with the seven of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
The vision at Ita’i is to make Ita'i a global brand with a home-felt impact, and it goes about it by encouraging community development and women empowerment through existing resources such as weaving.
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DESIGN + PARTNER + BUY + DONATE
@itaiourcloth www.itaiourcloth.com
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