In a remarkable celebration of indigenous fashion and entrepreneurial spirit, Ecobank Nigeria has unveiled the 4th edition of the Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair, an annual event that fuses culture, commerce, and creativity to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The four-day cultural showcase, taking place from June 5 to 8, 2025, at the prestigious Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, features over 130 local vendors exhibiting a wide range of Adire textiles, fashion pieces, accessories, and lifestyle products. With participants drawn from across Nigeria, the fair continues to attract a diverse audience of fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, creatives, tourists, and cultural stakeholders.
High-Level Participation & Government Endorsement
The event has received strong endorsement from key figures in the public and private sectors. Among the dignitaries in attendance are:
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Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State
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Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the former Ekiti State Governor
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Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development
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Emmanuel Ikazoboh, former Chairman, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
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Dr. Segun Aina, Founding President, FinTech Association of Nigeria
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Nike Davies-Okundaye, Founder, Nike Art Gallery
These distinguished guests underscore the fair’s importance in driving national identity, economic inclusion, and creative industry development.
Empowering Local Creators Through Corporate Social Responsibility
Speaking on the significance of the event, Omoboye Odu, Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, described the fair as a strategic CSR initiative. “This year’s exhibition brings together both seasoned and emerging Adire designers who embody innovation, cultural pride, and export potential. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about national development,” she said.
The fair offers free exhibition space to SMEs, boosting their visibility and helping them tap into new markets. Omoboye cited the success of the previous edition, where a single vendor recorded over ₦30 million in sales within four days—a figure equating to six months’ worth of revenue, highlighting the event’s immense commercial impact.
Voices from the Marketplace
Exhibitors expressed appreciation for the platform.
Fadilat Lawal, MD of Sanyaolu Trading Stores, Abeokuta, praised the durability and cultural richness of Adire from her region.
Cynthia Uma, Creative Director of Cecesignature Unisex Clothing, Lagos, emphasized the global appeal of Adire: “We’re seeing international buyers take serious interest. Adire is not just fabric; it’s a statement of identity and a growing revenue stream.”
Cultural Celebration Meets Economic Strategy
More than just a fashion fair, the Adire Lagos Exhibition is evolving into a national symbol of economic empowerment and cultural diplomacy. It promotes sustainable livelihoods, supports artisanal innovation, and strengthens the global perception of Nigerian creativity.
As Ecobank continues to invest in homegrown industries, the Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair stands as a shining example of how corporate partnerships can uplift heritage-based economies and redefine SME engagement in Africa.
The fair runs through June 8, 2025, with thousands of attendees expected and countless opportunities on display for collaboration, export, and economic transformation.
