The Abia State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a policy mandating the wearing of traditional outfits by government officials and civil servants as part of efforts to promote local craftsmanship and strengthen cultural identity.
Under the new directive, members of the State Executive Council are required to appear in traditional attire on every first Monday of the month, while civil servants across the state will wear traditional outfits every Friday.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the decision while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, the state capital.
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Prince Kanu explained that the policy is aimed at encouraging the patronage of locally made traditional fabrics and designs, thereby supporting indigenous artisans while also fostering cultural pride among Abians.
“We are aware that there is an ongoing cultural revolution in the state, and we are putting on our locally made fabrics as one way of strengthening that revolution,” he stated.
The Commissioner added that beyond promoting the Igbo identity, the initiative would also help bridge the cultural gap and stimulate broader appreciation of Abia’s rich cultural heritage.