Ecobank Champions SMEs Growth In Fashion With Adire Lagos Fair

Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the promotion of indigenous fashion with the fourth edition of the Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair.

The four-day event, which featured over 130 vendors from across the country, displaying a diverse range of Adire fabrics, fashion designs, and lifestyle products has evolved into a major platform for local artisans to expand their reach and grow their businesses.

Speaking at a press briefing during the event, head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, emphasised the bank’s dedication to empowering creatives and entrepreneurs.

“This is not just an exhibition; it’s a movement. Adire is our heritage, an art form rooted in history and craftsmanship. Through this fair, we’re giving that heritage a global platform while supporting the SMEs behind it,” she stated.

Odu highlighted that the Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair is part of the bank’s broader strategy to position itself as the leading financial partner for SMEs, adding that, ‘We’ve identified four key needs for SMEs, formalisation, access to markets, access to finance, and capacity building. This event ticks all those boxes.’

She noted that many of the participating vendors operate informally, often relying on social media for visibility. “What this fair does is provide them with a structured market. Last year, one vendor made N27 million in four days, the equivalent of six months’ revenue. That is the power of access,” she said.

Ecobank’s support, according to her, also includes a digital trade platform known as the Single Market Trade Hub, which functions like a corporate Tinderfor businesses, saying, “If you’re in Nigeria and there’s a buyer in Gambia, we match you. It is how we are connecting African markets,” she explained.

Beyond market access, Odu stressed the importance of financial readiness. “We don’t just throw money at businesses.

First, we work with them on governance, separating personal finances from business operations. That’s how you build credible, fundable businesses,” she said, adding that Ecobank also provides training webinars on branding, exports, foreign exchange strategies, and digital visibility.

On franchising and foreign exchange earnings, Odu disclosed that Ecobank is actively exploring opportunities for Nigerian Adire brands to expand internationally. “We’re working with partners to support franchising, but quality control and structure are non-negotiable. If you want to export, you must meet global standards,” she asserted.

This year’s edition features several innovations, including artistic installations showcasing the versatility of Adire. Notable displays include bamboo and wood pavilions built by HTL Architects to highlight sustainable design, modern Adire expressions by textile artist A Kiki, and historical presentations from the Yaba College of Technology.