18/12/2022
REFLECTION ON THE 2022 A*O OFI DAY CELEBRATION.
Almost a year ago, 18th December 2021, I wrote an open letter to the Chairman of Iseyin Weavers Association on those things I felt if done, will be of great advantage to the town and by extension, the State. Here we are, how worthwhile has it been after 5years?
The 5th Edition of Ofi day has come and gone, just like the 1st through 4th. It's key we appraise ourself before getting appraised from the land other than Ours. But before I continue, let me congratulate the Iseyin City on the success of the just concluded 5th Edition of A*o Ofi day celebration and at the same time wishing us a Happy 6th celebration in advance, just like I did on the occasion of 4th anniversary. May God spare our lives to witness and participate in many more of it's kind on the mother's earth.
Bitter Truth!
The 5th Edition's crowd was also massive as always, but unfortunately the least attended of all. Even at the very period of electioneering campaign which naturally is believed to have further influenced the population. The reason for this is neither hidden nor farfetched, as listed below:
1. No physical project has been launched or embarked upon other than A Bus which is believed to have been acquired through support of a known politician.
2. No clear plan is at the fore as to whether or not the association is planning to launch any physical project soon with the funds and promises from the previous occasions.
3. The acclaimed international market site is always bushy and very deserted until few days to the annual Ofi day celebrations.
4. Many customers who felt they would get all they wanted on one location in the name of International market returned disappointed, due to no transaction activity of the wares by the weavers on the site.
5. Many people that valued time wish to add values to themselves at every occasion, once this motive is not achieved twice concurrently, they will see the attendance as a waste of their previous time.
Yes! we are the best in A*o Ofi making, no doubt about it. This is a fact nobody can change. But having this manifesting on our international market is the best for us, especially this time when we have competitors all over the world.
In a bid to improve people's confidence in the weavers' peogrammes and to forestall great reduction in subsequent celebration, below are my advice as always:
- The weavers' association should work assiduously to have some building structures on the site prior to another Ofi day, from the proceeds and donations of the just concluded celebrations.
- Like we have Ero Ibadan, Ero Ede and the likes. Let's also have Ero Iseyin before the next Ofi day. A day where traditional wares will be transacted in Iseyin too.
- Let there be synergy and undiluted cooperation amongst the weavers, such that there would be a strong and undevided unity of purpose and understanding towards successful construction and functionality of the market.
- An ordinary market is not always deserted, let alone an international market. So, A*o Ofi wares and products should be displayed and transact everyday on the market, to justify being international.
- International market is not just a market, but same which people travel far and near to visit and must not be disappointed at every visit. Hence, weavers association should look forward to collaborating with other trade unions like furniture producers, shoe makers, fashion designers who can make use of Ofi in their crafts. With people having assurance that they will get whatever they want at a location, traveling far is an easiest adventure.
- Weavers Association could also look at soft loan for weavers, such that will increase the production of the fabric and aid wide patronage.
As I call it a wrap, I wish my concern would be well understood by the concerned parties and stakeholders (A*o-Oke Weavers Association), Iseyin Development Union, Iseyin Elders Council and the Aseyin in Council, as a call for betterment and not as exposure of our weaknesses.
Finally, while I commend the 2022 A*o Ofi day Organizing committee for the job welldone in the areas of security and Ofi stuffs' exhibition, it's also important they consider including lectures, scholarships, prizes for best A*o Ofi weaver Brand, Omidan and Ogbeni Ofi contest, in the subsequent celebrations. It's also very important they put in place measures by which the event will be made less of political ground where political scores will be counted going forward.
May God bless the cradle of A*o Oke, the weavers association and all of us.
© Babajide Oniyo
IYDG National President.
Cc:
A*o Ofi Weavers Association
Iseyin Development Union
Iseyin Elders Council
Iseyin Council of Societies
Aseyin in Council.
Hon. Mufu Abilawon
Hon. Raheem Ajibola
*oebi
*oOfi
*oOke
