Special adviser to the Osun State governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Bamikole Omishore, has expressed optimism that the just-concluded Sustainable Development Goal Creative Conference has underscored the state’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation and cultural preservation.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Osogbo, Omishore expressed delight over the success achieved at the conference adding that in the event was held in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GENN) and the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, resulting to the launch of the Creative Business Cup (CBC) Competition in Osun State.
According to him, the launch of the Creative Business Cup in Osun, reinforced the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration’s dedication to empowering young people, creating opportunities, and positioning the state as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.
He noted that participants benefited from business management training, personalised mentorship sessions, and the opportunity to compete for a seed grant to scale their ventures.
It would be recalled that the conference was brought to an end with a tour that offered participants a firsthand experience of Osun State’s rich cultural heritage, sustainable craftsmanship, and thriving creative economy.
The tour also highlighted the intersection of tradition and innovation in promoting sustainability and community empowerment with visits to Afin-Ilu Palace, where they explored the history and significance of the royal drummer in Yoruba culture which provided deep insights into the role of music and oral traditions in preserving heritage and strengthening community identity.
The next stop was the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, where attendees learned about the intricate process of Adire (tie and dye) and Batik fabric making. This visit underscored the importance of sustainable local fashion in economic development.
At the Scrap Art Museum of Dotun Popoola, participants witnessed the transformation of waste materials into stunning artworks. This experience reinforced the value of recycling and up-cycling in fostering a circular economy, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into valuable and profitable creations.
