Isan Ekiti: Rich in clay soil, home of traditional pottery
Isan Ekiti is rich in clay soil and its women are making wonders with the resource. Pot making has been in existence for a very long time. It is like arts for most adults in the South-Western part of the country. Years ago, it was part of arts and crafts for pupils in primary and secondary schools.
Today, pot-making continues to wax stronger within the society and communities, most especially in Isan-Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State.
Isan-Ekiti, is the country home of Ekiti State Governor,
Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Eko Trust visited Isan-Ekiti where pot making is still the mainstay of some people. These people are called “Abule Soro”. They can be located in three communities in the local government namely Ilafon, Ilemoso and Isan-Ekiti.
Pot making in Isan-Ekiti, according to members of the community has been in existence for years immemorial.
According to information gathered, some of the people took to pot making from their parents, growing up to know the business and they have continued ever since.
Mrs. Olajide Aina,
the president potters, popularly called “Olori” among the “Abule soro”, said she has been in the business for a long time now.
80-year-old, Mrs. Veronica Ojo, who is the treasurer of the “Abule Soro”, who took our correspondent round the community, said there were about 40 or more members who were into pot making at Isan-Ekiti.
Mrs. Ojo said the various types of pots being made by the “Abule Soro” include Flower Pots, Decoration pots, “Isasun”, “Apete”, “Epese”, “Fitila”, “Oru”, “Ape”, among others.
The “Abule soro” comprises both males and females working in the community, the male wing has its “Baba Egbe”, the chairman, Mr. Olarewaju Oguntoyinbo.
The “Abule soro” appealed to the government to consider and assist them with loans and a vehicle to improve their businesses.
Eko Trust also noticed that getting the raw materials is not an easy task for the pot makers. They said they have to dig to get the raw materials and pay for transportation of the clay.
Also, our correspondent gathered that sometimes they climb rocky places, trek long distances to be able to get their raw materials.
However, in spite of the hiccups, the pot makers are getting recognition from the government and other bodies for their efforts.
Mrs. Olajide Aina was a recipient of a Certificate of Award on “Production of Clay Pots Fitted with Taps”, from the Federal Ministry of Health, Global 2020 and UNICEF in collaboration with The Women’s Commission in November 1992.
Olajide was also a recipient of the 2012 Ekiti State Merit Award.
All the pots, after production, are being sold in the state in towns like Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Owo in Ondo State and some towns in Nigeria.