By Dipo Olowookere
Ecobank Nigeria Limited is spicing up the maiden Adire Market Week taking place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State from April 7 to 9, 2022.
The event is being packaged by the Office of the Ogun State First Lady through Ajose Foundation, an organisation established by Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun.
Business Post gathered that 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.
In anticipation that financial transactions will take place, Ecobank is offering its platform and an array of financial services to participants.
In addition, the lender said it is throwing its weight behind the fair to support and empower the youths, women, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other business communities within Ogun State.
According to the Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, it is one of the several initiatives by the bank to boost tourism, culture and the creative industry using Adire as a key driver.
“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 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 said.
Mr Lawal expressed optimism that the week will establish the platform for financial inclusion for women-owned businesses, noting that the Bank will use the avenue to promote its women-centred proposition, Ellevate to help boost the 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,” the banker said.
Ecobank Nigeria’s management had during its visit to Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun some years ago, pledged to partner with the state government on the policy thrust and developmental strides of the Abiodun-led administration, as encapsulated in ISEYA, which represents infrastructure, social welfare and health, education, youth empowerment and agriculture. The bank recently supported the state’s primary healthcare delivery.
The bank has also entered into a partnership agreement with the state government to provide mortgage financing to interested civil servants who are allottees of the state’s housing scheme.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Aduragbemi Omiyale