Egba Champions African Fashion Renaissance as Lai Labode launches Continent’s largest handwoven fabric factory in Ogun
By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
In a landmark step to position Egba land and Ogun State as Africa’s fashion and textile capital, Chief Lai Labode, Balogun of Ijaye and Founder of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, has unveiled the continent’s largest handwoven fabric factory in Abeokuta.
The announcement came during the graduation of 27 trainees of the foundation, where Labode explained that the project is more than fabric production it is a movement to empower Egba people, revive indigenous craftsmanship, and project African fashion globally.
“This is not Aso Oke; in Egba we call it Aso Egba,” he emphasized. “We are intentional about creating something unique for Egba land, Ogun State, and Nigeria.”
The factory will launch operations with 200 weaving machines, making it Africa’s biggest handwoven facility. It will produce premium fabrics for both local consumption and export while offering continuous training in weaving and textile entrepreneurship.
“We don’t want our people to toil and earn little,” Labode noted. “This initiative is genuine empowerment. Our vision is for Abeokuta to export fabrics to the world.”
Looking ahead, he disclosed that by 2026, the annual Egbaliganza Festival will showcase fabrics crafted by Egba artisans. He also introduced a continental platform the Confederation of African Fashion to shape policies, raise standards, and foster collaboration in the African fashion industry.
“From Ogun State, we are setting up the Confederation of African Fashion,” he said. “Our mission is to move Africa’s share of the global fashion market from the current 1.2 percent about $30 billion to $500 billion. This is our assignment as Egba people and as Nigerians.”
The Confederation will also launch a “Fashion Olympics,” giving African countries a stage to showcase creativity, with the first edition planned for Egba land.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, praised the initiative, describing it as a continuation of Egba’s legacy of excellence. “Only the best comes out of Egba land first and best in everything,” he declared.
Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Olufemi Ilori Oduntan, also hailed the project, noting its alignment with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision for industrial growth and youth empowerment.
One of the beneficiaries of the training, Blessings Ibyemi Bankole, described the eight-week program as life-changing. “It opened my eyes to the cultural and economic value of indigenous fabrics. I’m inspired to promote our culture and improve my skills in Aso Oke production,” she said.
