Leather has various uses in almost all endeavors and activities of individuals, societies and the nation as a whole. Its immense use cannot be overstated. However, for purposes of easy identification and study, the uses of leather have been classified or grouped into seven, namely, Clothing and articles for the body, War and Defense, Education, Chiefdom and culture, Containers for storage and services, Sports and entertainment and industry.

1. Clothing and body items

Leather is used in the production of articles worn on the body for various purposes, such as protective, decorative or medicinal. Leather is used in making clothing and clothing to be worn as clothing on the body. Likewise, other articles of personal adornment are made from leather, such as hats, beads, footwear, buttons and belts.

2. War and Defense

Leather goods play a protective role in war. For example, leather becomes weapons of war and defense, such as shields to protect the individual when opponents fire missiles, bows to fight, quivers and arrows to fight enemies, talismans and amulets that provide spiritual protection to the wearers. . While the talisman drives away evil forces from its wearer, amulets, on the other hand, attract or attract good spirits to protect the wearer. War cloaks and other close-knit protective clothing for warfare and defense are available through the use of leather.

3. Education

Since time immemorial, leather has been of great help in the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge through education. Writing surfaces such as parchment and vellum prepared with leather have greatly contributed to teaching and learning activities. In addition, the life of books and other stationery is extended by using leather goods such as book covers, dust jackets, bags, wallets, pencil holders, etc.

4. Chiefdom and Culture

Leather plays an important role in matters related to the appointment of chiefs and things directly related to chieftainship. For example, traditional council and state meetings are uniquely colored by umbrellas, swords, poufs, beaters, mats, drums, braided leather stools, etc. These are elements of our rich material culture. They help in the transmission, propagation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage. Without items made from leather, most, if not all, of the gems of our culture would have been forgotten long ago. Leather goods reflecting our culture are used as teaching aids in schools, institutions and cultural education agencies to help students learn a lot about our cultural heritage.

5. Containers for Storage and Services

Leather goods in the form of containers and receptacles are used for storage purposes. Leather is used in the production of bags that house our documents and important items, bottles to store water and other equally important liquids, glasses cases, purses, a trunk (a large travel bag made of stiff leather), etc. Many documents and items would have been lost had they not been leather containers!

6. Sports and Entertainment

Sports activities and other forms of entertainment are enhanced and promoted through the use of leather goods. For example, balls and hand gloves made of leather find their way into soccer, volleyball, and hockey games. Safety shoes and football boots are available courtesy of leather. What about the moments of glory, when the victors will be crowned? It’s the leather goods like medals, plaques and trophies that always work. Entertainment and other sports activities would have been dull, uninteresting and even lifeless without leather and its products.

7. Industry

Leather as a material, together with its articles, has a great contribution to the success of the industrial activities carried out by various companies, factories and industries in the country. Construction, engineering and ‘heavy duty’ industries where dangerous and life-threatening equipment is used are protected with leather products. For example, Wellington boots are used to protect the foot from injuries and slips during industrial activities. Goggles, gloves and nose masks made of leather protect the sensitive parts of our body, such as the eyes, hands and nose, from various health hazards.

In addition, the transport of important tools, materials and equipment to strategic areas where industrial activities are carried out is facilitated through the use of conveyor belts, a leather product. The high-voltage cables that always carry high-voltage electrical current without accidents in various industries are made of leather. Our industries would have been futile in carrying out their functions if leather and its manufactured articles did not exist.