Nike Okundaye, founder of Nike Art Gallery, has called for support from the government, corporate organisations, and art enthusiasts to train women on the conversion of waste materials to creative ornaments.

Ms Okundaye, an Adire textile designer, made the call on Friday in Lagos.

She said the government needed to recognise the potential of waste management and entrepreneurship in reducing poverty and promoting sustainability.

According to her, wastes like animal bones and teeth can be assembled and converted to beads as well as other useful items.

“Over the years, I have trained women in my centres in Kogi, Abuja, and Lagos, and I want these women to also train others.

“I have my centres open for this, but I need support from the government, art enthusiasts, and corporate organisations so that these women who are ready to train can be well renumerated.

“By supporting initiatives like mine, the government can help to create a brighter future for women, particularly widows and other vulnerable groups. It will also create a more sustainable and inclusive economy, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Ms Okundaye said that the centre trained no fewer than 3,000 women in beading, adire-making, and embroidery designs in 2024.

She said that given Nigeria’s boundless creative potential, the media had a crucial role in sharing these talents with global communities.

“It is important we promote our creativity; the media should help in this regard.

“I want to make sure that Adire and aso-oke are popular all over the world before I pass on; it is my lifetime goal. These local fabrics brought me to the limelight,” she said.

(NAN)