The 2025 Ecobank Adire Lagos Exhibition is attracting thousands to Lagos, showcasing over 130 vendors and boosting Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry and SMEs

Adire Lagos Exhibition is currently drawing an impressive influx of fashion enthusiasts and other visitors to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) at 270B1 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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The fourth edition of this vibrant cultural and commercial event, which commenced on Thursday, June 5, is set to conclude on Sunday, June 8.

The exhibition is a dedicated initiative aimed at promoting Nigeria’s indigenous fashion industry and providing vital support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Over 130 vendors are currently showcasing a diverse array of Adire designs, fashion items, and lifestyle products, attracting a wide audience including fashion enthusiasts, cultural professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and eager shoppers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The event has already seen a strong turnout of notable dignitaries. Among those who have graced the fair are the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Also in attendance 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 esteemed owner of Nike Art Gallery, Mrs Nike Davies-Okundaye, among others.

Omoboye Odu, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This year’s exhibition promises a dynamic blend of established brands and emerging designers who embody innovation, cultural pride, and export potential.” She further emphasised the fair’s crucial 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,” Ms Odu explained.

She highlighted the fair’s proven commercial potential, citing, “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 themselves have also lauded the growing appeal of Adire designs. Ms. Fadilat Lawal, Managing Director of Sanyaolu Trading Stores, Abeokuta, underscored the durability and rich cultural symbolism of Abeokuta Adire.

Similarly, Ms. Cynthia Uma, Creative Director of Cecesignature Unisex Clothing, Lagos, spoke passionately about Adire’s increasing global recognition and its significant role as a revenue driver for her business.