The planned four days exhibition will take place at the ultra-modern Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on Victoria Island, Lagos from Thursday, June 14th till Sunday, 17th, 2024.

Announcing the program in Lagos, Adeola Ogunyemi, head, Consumer Banking, said the exhibition will feature authentic Adire fabric displays from over 100 diverse merchants, indigenous cuisine, and African entertainment, adding that there will be series of masterclasses, as well as networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, shoppers, and everyone in the business of making or trading in Adire.

“We are encouraged with the success of the previous editions of the ‘Adire Lagos Experience’ and we plan to make this year’s edition bigger and better. The exhibition is in line with our brand promise as a pan-African financial institution to promote culture and boost tourism on the continent. We have through this opportunity playing a notable part in contributing to boost Nigeria’s tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver.

“High profile exhibitors, vendors, expatriates, influencers and dignitaries from different parts of the world and from all walks of life have indicated interest to be part of the event. I am therefore inviting Nigerians, diasporans resident in Nigeria and the diplomatic corps to attend the four day event,” she stated.

Further, Mrs Ogunyemi reiterated that the exhibition aligns perfectly with the Ecobank’s commitment as a Pan-African Institution to offer experiences that go beyond banking and also dedicated to creating enriching experiences that resonate with its customers’ lifestyles while celebrating the diversity of our nation’s culture.

“We are providing a cozy ambience with utmost serenity to make participants feel comfortable and safe. Participation is free, and everyone is welcome to invite family and friends to come over to witness the beautiful event. This Exhibition also presents an opportunity not only to sell and buy products but to experience the luxuriance in our culture.”

Expected to grace the occasions are top government officials from Lagos, Ogun and other neighbouring states and stakeholders in adire business.

Ecobank Nigeria, a key driver of tourism, culture and the creative industries in Nigeria recently hosted the +234Art, a 10-day art fair dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria.

The fair provided a platform to support emerging artists and encourage increased interest in art acquisition; also the bank organized the Photography, Art, and Design Exhibition (PADE) to commemorate World Photography Day in 2022; the bank also partnered “Songs & Stories” With Cobhams Asuquo;  Redbull Dance Your Style; BellaNaija Style Summit and  Loosing Daylight (An exhibition of the history of Nollywood organised by Nse Ikpe-Etim).

The Bank said it is impressed and motivated by the phenomenal success of the maiden edition held last year.

The three days exhibition themed Adire Lagos Experience will take place at the ultra-modern Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) complex on the highbrow, Victoria Island, Lagos from Friday, June 9 till Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 1200 daily.

Announcing the second edition in Lagos, Korede Demola – Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, said the Exhibition is part of the bank’s contribution to boost the nation’s tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver, adding that, high profile exhibitors, vendors, dignitaries from different parts of the world have indicated interest to be part of the event.

According to her,

The bank is encouraged with the success of the maiden edition which took place last year.  It is in line with our brand promise as a Pan African Institution to promote culture, boost tourism on the continent. We expect topflight exhibitors, expatriates, influencers, dignitaries from all walks of life and members of the public at the three days event.”

She stated that the event will feature a series of masterclasses and exhibitions, as well as networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, shoppers and everyone interested in the making or trading of Adire, adding that the bank has provided a cozy ambience with utmost serenity to make participants feel comfortable and safe.

Mrs. Demola – Adeniyi further added that “participation is free, and you are welcome to invite family, and friends to come over to witness the beautiful event. This Exhibition also presents an opportunity not only to sell and buy products but to experience the luxuriance in our culture. In addition to the wonderful display of Adire clothing and products, there will be masterclasses on Adire production, picture-perfect moments, and music to vibe.”

Expected to grace the occasion are top government officials from Lagos, Ogun and other neighboring states, the CEO of Adire Oodua Textile Hub and wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Ronke Ogunwusi; the CEO of Dye Lab, Ms Joke Ladoja; the Creative Director, Afume Global Concepts, Mrs Funmi Sosanya; and the CEO, Aga Culture & Upbeat, Moyo Ogunseinde, among others. The event is being partnered by the National Union Textile Garment Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (Adire Sector).

The royal father spoke during a three-day Adire exhibition tagged: “Adire Lagos Experience”, powered by Ecobank Nigeria in Lagos.

The exhibition which started on Friday June 10, spanned Sunday, June 12. Originating in Southwestern Nigeria, Adire textile is an indigo-dyed cloth made by using different wax resist methods to create dazzling designs.

Adire, comes in a variety of texture such as silk, chiffon, cotton, and polyester and are made fashionable in both English and traditional styles.

He said, “I am really impressed with what I’ve seen here today. I have seen real tourism potential that needs to be explored by others. If as a country we look inward, we would discover that our tourism advantages are enormous and desire immediate attention.  We can create exportable merchandise if we join hands to boost our potential, we would not be looking up to foreign currency to boost our economy”.

Further, he noted that “as one of the pioneer promoters of Adire, I am positive that it can boost the county’s tourism industry, because it has what it takes to meet international textile standards.

The unique thing about Adire production is that everything is assembled locally – raffias, ropes, bamboos, chemicals are gotten from our forest. We do not need to import anything”.

Ogunwusi also encouraged other banks and private bodies to emulate Ecobank in encouraging indigenous entrepreneurs, so that more Nigerians could explore locally made investments. In his words “Our banks and corporate bodies should show their support by displaying our Adire in their banks, make their staff wear them on specific days. Even beyond our Adire fabric, we can promote locally made shoes, wristwatches, bags, cars, jewelry, and several other products,” he said.

Ogunwusi advised traditional leaders to encourage entrepreneurs with financial support and grants. “I advise our leaders to begin to get sensitive and passionate about things that are produced in Nigeria. All other companies and organisations should pick one thing and promote, so that the country can grow organically. We also need to support our media that are really projecting these potentials to the world by involving them fully,” he said.

The royal father then condemned imitation of Adire by other countries, saying there was great difference between the locally made products and imitation.

“The durability cannot be compared, we have taken up this challenge locally and with the support of our ancestors coupled with our long-standing knowledge, nobody can take away our patent rights from us,” he said.

Several Adire admirers converged at the exhibition venue; Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) to witness, make orders and purchase choices attires in different styles. Highlight of the event was a practical master class on Adire production, organised by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, a cultural ambassador to Ooni of Ife.

At the exhibition, there were different genres of Yoruba music; an infusion of local food; and mild atmospheric branding infusion of a wide variety of Adire into the setting which created a nostalgic mood.