Culture

Ecobank to promote export of African brand ‘Adire’ with AfCFTA

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2024

Ecobank Nigeria Limited, a pan-African bank has announced its commitment to promote the export of Adire, a locally produced textile by utilising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

This was disclosed by Kola Adeleke, executive director of commercial banking, Ecobank Nigeria during the third edition of its annual Ecobank event held in Lagos themed ‘Adire Lagos Experience’.

According to the World Economic Forum, AfCTA is the continental trade agreement aimed at eliminating trade barriers and boosting intra-African trade; projected to represent a single market of 1.7 billion people and $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending for the region by 2030.

“The annual exhibition saw over 100 exhibitors showcase locally processed Adire attire made by indigenous designers. After the program, we are going to continue to partner, support and help them improve the quality of their products for export,” Adeleke said.

He added that the goal is to ensure that Adire becomes an African brand with global acclaim and grow the nation’s economy through exportation.

Fagbayi Oluwasesan, commissioner for culture and tourism in Ogun state commended Ecobank for promoting Adire culture to help improve the sector.

“The fabric is synonymous with Ogun State. We are the custodians of Adire. It is an indigenous textile from Ogun State and we have to protect it. That is why we are happy with Ecobank for what they are doing today, assisting us to showcase what God has given to us, protecting it, and telling the world that this is what is good for us to be using as fabric,” he said.

He stated that the Ogun state government had commenced measures to address the challenge of imported Adire fabric, which posed a threat to the Adire industry.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”