By Barnabas Esiet.
The highly anticipated “Adire Lagos” exhibition, organized by Ecobank, kicked off in grand style over the weekend, featuring an impressive lineup of over 100 exhibitors showcasing their vibrant textile creations.
Now in its third year, this four-day event, running from June 14th to 17th, aims to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also facilitating their integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) complex in Victoria Island, Lagos, the exhibition provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs, shoppers, and enthusiasts to connect and explore the world of Adire, an indigenous indigo-dyed cloth originating from Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria.
International exhibitors, including Adire Oodua, Tampoori, Jide Batik, Janae, and Asologe, among others, are participating in the fair, which is expected to attract a diverse crowd of government officials, culture enthusiasts, social media influencers, artists, tourists, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community.
In his opening remarks, Kola Adeleke, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting the creative industry and MSMEs, highlighting the exhibition’s role in promoting these sectors and facilitating their access to the AfCFTA.
“We are proud to host this international exhibition, which brings together over 100 merchants showcasing their Adire products,” Adeleke stated.
“Our goal is to empower these entrepreneurs, provide them with training and support, and help them become international brands with a strong Nigerian identity, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.”
The exhibition has received widespread acclaim, with exhibitors and attendees alike praising Ecobank’s initiative.
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