Promoting the beauty of Yoruba traditional fabric of Aso- Oke for international consumption and sustainable development (Published)
Yoruba people are predominantly found in southwestern and north central Nigeria, some part of Benin republic and Togo. The Aso-Oke weaving was introduced into Yoruba land in the 15th century, and since then it has been part of the culture till date with different modification over time. This paper examines how this fabric can be promoted to gain acceptance for international consumptions which will helps develops the local crafts industry as this leads to employment opportunities, increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a veritable source of foreign exchange for Nigeria. The paper provides an insight into the local production technique of the fabric, the types of fabrics and other wares that can be made from the fabrics, sewing methods and types of garment that can be produced for export and possible export channels for international market.
Keywords: Aso oke, Employment, Sustainable Development, fabrics, local craft, sewing and market.
THE PLACE OF WATER IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: READINGS FROM GREG MABAJIORGU’S WRITINGS (Published)
Argument on the eroding environmental degradation by modern industrial society has been rife in most critical works of the modern period. Man’s quest for civilization and its accompanied industrialization are often seen as reasons for destruction of natural environment. Despite the facts that water covers about seventy percent of the earth surface, availability and accessibility of water has remained a great challenge to human development. Acute water shortage for human consumption is a course for worry in the face of alarming industrial pollution. Little wonders that ecocritics and ecodramatics are upset by degenerating human environment. Greg Mbajiorgu is one of them. He has written extensively on water as important abotic resource. In his collection of poems title Water testament (2008) and a dramatic text,Wota na Wota (2006), he explored various themes on the usefulness of water to man. He asserts that search for drinkable water in most local communities can create anarchy as a result of its scarcity. This research explores these themes and attributes of water as illustrated in the poems and the drama. The basic assumption of this research is that water is a necessity for sustenance of life and a component of natural resources. Consequently, great effort must be geared towards its preservation.
Keywords: Greg Mabajiorgu’s Writings, Sustainable Development, Water