In a groundbreaking move to reposition Egba land and Ogun State as the hub of African fashion and textile production, the Balogun of Ijaye and Founder of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, Chief Lai Labode, has unveiled Africa’s largest handwoven fabric factory in Abeokuta.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 27 trainees of the foundation on Saturday, Labode explained that the initiative transcends fabric making — it represents a movement to empower Egba people, revive traditional craftsmanship, and project African fashion onto the global stage.
“This is not Aso Oke. In Egba, we call it Aso Egba, and we are very deliberate about what we are creating because Kabiyesi has asked us to start something unique for Egba land. We will build for Egba land, we will build for Ogun State, and we will build for Nigeria,”
According to him, the factory commenced operations with 200 weaving machines, making it the largest of its kind on the continent. He noted that it would produce high-quality fabrics for both local consumption and export, while also training more youths in weaving and textile entrepreneurship.
“We don’t want a situation where people work so hard and earn peanuts. This initiative is about genuine empowerment,” Labode added. “We want to see Abeokuta export fabrics to the rest of the world.”
Looking ahead, Chief Labode announced that by 2026, the annual Egbaliganza Festival will feature fabrics proudly made in Egba land by local artisans.
He also unveiled a continental initiative — the Confederation of African Fashion — describing it as a platform designed to shape policies, set standards, and foster collaboration across Africa’s fashion industry.
“From Ogun State, we are establishing the Confederation of African Fashion. Its goal is to move Africa’s share of the global fashion market from 1.2 percent — about $30 billion — to $500 billion. This is our assignment as Egba people and as Nigerians,” he said.
The Confederation, he added, will introduce a Fashion Olympics, where African countries will compete and showcase their creativity. The inaugural edition, he revealed, will take place in Egba land.
In his remarks, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, commended Chief Labode for his visionary leadership and for sustaining the Egba tradition of excellence.
“I’m highly elated and fulfilled because only the best always comes out of Egba land — first and best in everything. Others will have to run after us,” the Alake said.
“Lai Labode is a great manager of resources. May God help him manage this project better than ever before. Whatever support we can give, we will not hesitate.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Olufemi Ilori Oduntan, who hails from Ijaye, described the initiative as a landmark development that aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision for industrial growth and youth empowerment.
“I’m very happy this is coming from Abeokuta, Ijaye, because I’m from Ijaye. This is what we have been praying and looking forward to.
His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is happy seeing this kind of development. It’s a plus for Ogun State and will promote our image globally. Our government will be fully involved in ensuring its success.”
One of the graduands, Blessings Ibyemi Bankole, described the eight-week training as a life-changing experience that exposed her to the cultural and economic value of indigenous fabrics.
“It has been a wonderful experience for me. I never imagined I could acquire so much knowledge within a short time. This has inspired me to promote our culture and improve my skills in Aso Oke production,” she said.
