Events

Ecobank Adire Lagos exhibition draws crowds, boosts SMEs

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2025

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.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.