The Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on 270B1 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, is witnessing an influx of fashion enthusiasts and others for the 2025 Ecobank Adire Lagos Exhibition.
The fair, in its fourth edition, kicked off on Thursday, June 5 and will end on Sunday, June 8.
The vibrant cultural and commercial event is dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Over 130 vendors are showcasing a diverse range of Adire designs, fashion items, and lifestyle products. The fair attracts a wide audience, including fashion enthusiasts, cultural professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and shoppers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Notable dignitaries who have so far graced the fair included the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Others were the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi; Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo; former Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Mr Emmanuel Ikazoboh; founding President of the FinTech Association of Nigeria (FANI), Dr Segun Aina; and the owner of Nike Art Gallery, Mrs Nike Davies-Okundaye, among others.
The Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said, “This year’s exhibition promises a dynamic blend of established brands and emerging designers who embody innovation, cultural pride, and export potential.” She further emphasized the fair’s role as a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Ecobank.
“The Adire Lagos Exhibition Fair is a key CSR initiative, offering SMEs a platform to showcase their products free of charge while fostering economic growth and national unity. Last year’s event attracted over 20,000 visitors in four days, with one vendor making N30 million in sales—equivalent to six months’ revenue—demonstrating the fair’s strong commercial potential.”
Exhibitors also praised the growing appeal of Adire designs. Ms. Fadilat Lawal, Managing Director of Sanyaolu Trading Stores, Abeokuta, highlighted the durability and cultural symbolism of Abeokuta Adire. Ms. Cynthia Uma, Creative Director of Cecesignature Unisex Clothing, Lagos, emphasized Adire’s growing global recognition as a revenue driver for her business.