Some tailors resident in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for making the wearing of facemasks compulsory in curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tailors told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the order had revived their businesses.
They explained further that apart from making brisk business, the upsurge in requests for facemasks had kept them busy.
Mrs Motolani Cole, the Chief Executive Officer of Doratee’s Place, said the compulsory wearing of facemasks would make tailors earn more income.
“ I first made facemasks for my family members and a few friends, I only started selling a week ago. So far it’s been good and I have made over 600 pieces of facemasks.
“ I am so happy that I can make some money since I can no longer do makeup and hair for people. I’m using this on the sidelines to survive,” she said.
She, however, emphasized the need to use the right textile materials in making face masks.
“The most appropriate material to be used is cotton material because one can breathe with it and it can curtail droplets, ” she said.
Dolapo Aboderin, the CEO of Agbekeartistry, said she ventured into making facemask production in order to overcome boredom.
“The patronage has been very encouraging because I have people who know the meaning of quality. I’m selling a quality facemask.
“It’s actually a very good development that the state government has ordered everyone to be using a facemask, not just because I’m selling and making money.
“The government actually made the order for our safety and I want people to comply with it. We can’t imagine the consequences of defying government’s order,” she said.
Aboderin, however, lamented that many tailors were using all kinds of poor materials to produce facemasks, saying this was wrong.
“The most appropriate textile to use in making a facemask is cotton material that has a filter,” she said.
Adefolake Saibu, the CEO of Hfsclothings, said her venturing into facemask production was due to the deluge of requests from her customers.
“The demand for facemask has been good. I am a bit relieved even though we all know that it’s still not the best preventive measure.
“A lot of people are making and wearing substandard facemasks and they feel that they can move about anyhow and not bother to wash hands as well as observe social distancing.
“I feel a well-knitted fabric like original cotton material should only be used in making facemask,” she said.
