USGEAAN Announce Plans to Train Ondo Students in Tie-and-Dye

The US Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Ondo State branch, has announced plans to train secondary school students and community members in practical indigenous tie-and-dye skills, as part of efforts to boost Adire production.

The association, established in 2007 by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, will host the training during a two-day cultural empowerment programme titled “Cultural Imprints: Nigerian Adire & Batik Workshop & Exhibition”, scheduled to hold at the Adekunle Ajasin University Business School in Akure, Ondo State. Prof. Yemisi Jeff-Agboola, the state coordinator of USGEAAN, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement issued by the association’s secretary, Dr Oritoke Okeowo, in Akure.

“This initiative, supported by the US Consulate General Lagos, will train 75 secondary school students and 25 community members, equipping them with practical skills in indigenous textile design. This project is about heritage, innovation, and sustainability. We are investing in young people and local artisans to revive and sustain traditional craft while also creating economic opportunities,” a copy of the statement read.

The USGEAAN, an umbrella organisation that unites alumni from over twenty US Government exchange programmes, added that training would be facilitated by seasoned professionals, including experts from the Department of Industrial Design, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The association also explained that its core objectives for the training include: positioning Ondo state as a hub for Adire production, mentoring a younger generation in indigenous creativity, and establishing a sustainable, skill-based empowerment model.

“Participants will be trained in various Adire and Batik techniques and will receive certificates of participation, training materials, and refreshments throughout the programme. Also, the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Executives of the USGEAAN Ondo State Chapter will take place on August 13, with invited dignitaries expected to include representatives from US Consulates, Lagos, the Vice-Chancellors of FUTA and AAUA, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Ondo State, and other community stakeholders. The USGEAAN Ondo State Team encourages all participants to attend in their school uniforms or traditional Adire/Ankara attire, reflecting the cultural significance of the programme,” it added.