Asani & Aduke Foundation has announced the 3rd International Àdìrẹ and Cultural Festival 2025 in Abeokuta, themed “Threads of Legacy, Patterns of Prosperity,” to promote heritage, creativity, and women’s empowerment
Abeokuta Set for 3rd International Àdìrẹ and Cultural Festival 2025 — “Threads of Legacy, Patterns of Prosperity”
Abeokuta, Ogun State — November 3, 2025: The ancient city of Abeokuta is set to host another grand celebration of Yoruba creativity and enterprise as the Asani & Aduke Foundation officially unveiled plans for the 3rd International Àdìrẹ and Cultural Festival 2025, themed “Threads of Legacy, Patterns of Prosperity.”
At a press conference held at the Foundation’s Facility Centre in Olomore Housing Estate, Convener and Executive Director Asani (Lizzy Adeboyejo) described the festival as “a living testament to the artistry, enterprise, and resilience that define our people.”
“The Àdìrẹ fabric — hand-dyed, richly patterned, and deeply symbolic — is not just a textile,” Adeboyejo said. “It is the living expression of our culture, the artistry of our women, and the enterprise of our communities.”
She noted that the festival has grown from a small community event into a global cultural and economic platform attracting stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond, including SMEDAN, NEPC, ITF, GIZ, and the German Embassy.
Asani revealed that the Foundation continued its tradition of pre-festival empowerment activities, which included:
- A Free Medical Outreach providing eye tests, reading glasses, and blood pressure checks for hundreds of residents;
- Àdìrẹ Production Competition showcasing the creativity of young artisans;
- Àdìrẹ Masterclass, which trained over 100 women and youths in textile design and business skills, supported by ITF and SMEDAN.
In a major new development, the Foundation announced a partnership with TAFTA to host an Entrepreneurial Development Workshop for 200 women aged 18 and above, focusing on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital creativity.
“This program will strengthen the business capacity of our women, ensuring that culture truly becomes a tool for prosperity,” Adeboyejo added.
All activities for the 2025 edition will be held at Alake Hall, Abeokuta Club, beside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), IBB Boulevard, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. The unified venue, according to the organisers, will offer a more vibrant and immersive experience for guests and participants.
This year’s festival, running from November 10 to 15, 2025, promises an elevated experience, combining tradition with innovation.
Pre-Festival Highlights (Nov. 10–13): The pre-festival events will kick off at the Àsàní and Àdùké Foundation Facility Centre in Olomore, Abeokuta, with Cultural Day celebrations, local games, storytelling sessions, Yoruba literature readings, and traditional performances.
The customary free medical outreach and Adire production competition will also hold, alongside a community cultural health walk.
Festival Proper (Nov. 14–15): The main festival days will feature a graduation ceremony for empowerment beneficiaries, Workshops and panel discussions with cultural scholars and textile experts, Adire masterclasses and marketplace exhibitions showcasing works from artisans nationwide, Fashion showcases, music concerts, a vibrant local food and craft village, and Excellence Awards to honour promoters of Adire and Nigerian cultural heritage.
The week-long event will feature a rich lineup of cultural and creative showcases, including:
- Opening Ceremony and Cultural Parade with royal fathers, schools, and creative troupes;
- Àdìrẹ Exhibition and Marketplace showcasing fabrics, crafts, and accessories;
- Entrepreneurship & Empowerment Workshops (including the TAFTA Women’s Enterprise Lab);
- Creative Economy Symposium featuring experts from fashion, trade, tourism, and education sectors;
- Masterclasses and Live Demonstrations for artisans and designers;
- Cultural Performances, Live Drama, Fusion Music Concert, and Food Village;
- Recognition and Awards Ceremony, Cultural Health Walk, Local Games, Book Launching and Unveiling of Asani Textile Arts, and a Movie Show by TKO Pomulero.
“These activities are designed not just to entertain, but to empower and connect communities,” Adeboyejo explained. “Abeokuta will again take its rightful place as the global home of Àdìrẹ.”
The Foundation also reaffirmed its commitment to deepening international collaborations that will connect artisans and trainees to export opportunities and global markets.
“Our goal is to make Àdìrẹ not just a cultural emblem but a viable driver of the creative economy and sustainable livelihood,” the convener said.
She expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, and the media for their continued support:
“Your stories amplify the value of our heritage and the strength of our people. To the public, we say — join us, wear Àdìrẹ, celebrate culture, and empower lives.” Read More
