Ecobank Nigeria is partnering with Ogun State Government to organize the maiden edition of the Adire Market Week.
The initiative is being promoted by the wife of the Ogun State Governor and Founder of Ajose Foundation, Bamidele Abiodun.
The fair, which opens today at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital, will end on Saturday.
Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, hinged the bank’s support on its strategic decision to further support and empower the youths, women, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other business communities within Ogun State.
He added that it was one of the several initiatives by the Bank to boost tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver.
Lawal said: “We are currently working with the Ogun State Government to promote the Adire industry which is also primarily women-driven. We see the Adire industry as a platform to celebrate and further integrate with the culture, arts and history of Abeokuta, Ogun State and the nation at large.
“We will also explore the connection it has with the youths, women, SMEs and other business communities around us.”
He also expressed optimism that the week will establish the platform for financial inclusion for women-owned businesses, as the Bank will use the opportunity to promote its women-centred proposition, Ellevate, to boost their businesses.
“It is also an opportunity for us to promote international trade through our robust payment and collection platforms whilst leveraging our AfCFTA agreement to support exports for the local fashion industry,” he said.
We will also explore the connection it has with the youths, women, SMEs and other business communities around us.
The partnership is in fulfilment of Ecobank Nigeria management’s promise during a visit to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, some years back, especially around his policy focus, ISEYA, which represents infrastructure, social welfare and health, education, youth empowerment and agriculture.
The bank recently supported the state’s primary healthcare delivery, and entered into an agreement with the government to provide mortgage financing to interested civil servants, who are allottees of its housing scheme.
The Adire Market Week will showcase and promote authentic Adire products from about 100 exhibitors as well as the works of traders, fashion designers, models and other players in the Adire industry.
With at least 5,000 local and international participants expected at this year’s edition, the fair would give stakeholders in the industry the opportunity to showcase their products to the global market.
