Ruth Semilore
Civil and public servants in Oyo state are now required to wear native attire with a touch of traditional Aso Oke fabric on Thursdays, alongside the existing tradition of wearing native attire on Fridays.
The announcement of the approval of the new dress code was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service to heads of ministries and agencies on January 27, 2025.
“Every Thursday and Friday, our workforce will become ambassadors of tradition and catalysts for economic transformation,” the directive stated.
According to the circular, the policy “is not just about dressing; it’s a strategic effort to validate our cultural identity while uplifting grassroots economies.”
It is also aimed at preserving the Yoruba culture, empowering local artisans, boosting the informal economy, as well as showcasing and preserving the state’s vibrant cultural heritage.
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The governor also stated that the directive will support local weavers, dyers, and tailors, thereby “sustaining livelihoods, reducing unemployment, and increasing income streams for artisans.”
He stated that his administration projects that the directive will increase demand for the fabrics, enhance growth in the informal sector, bolster tourism, and foster inclusive development.
