Yemisi Izuora
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for a coordinated national effort to develop and promote Nigeria’s indigenous Adire industry, describing the textile craft as a vital cultural and economic asset capable of creating jobs, preserving heritage, and boosting tourism.
Speaking during a visit to the ongoing fifth edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos, Obasanjo urged stakeholders to establish Adire associations across different states of the federation and develop dedicated cultural and tourism hubs that would serve as centres for production, exhibition, training, and promotion of the craft.
According to him, such initiatives would help preserve Nigeria’s rich textile heritage while positioning Adire as a globally recognized cultural product capable of generating significant economic value for artisans, entrepreneurs, and local communities.
Obasanjo was received by the Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, alongside members of the bank’s senior management team, who took him on a tour of the exhibition stands showcasing a diverse range of Adire products and other indigenous textiles.
The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, which commenced on June 11, will run through Sunday, June 14, 2026. The four-day fair has continued to attract large crowds from different segments of society, including business leaders, fashion enthusiasts, tourists, students, artisans, and expatriates from various countries.
Visitors have been exploring hundreds of exhibitions stands featuring Adire fabrics, fashion accessories, footwear, home décor items, artworks, and other locally produced creative products from across different countries in Africa.
Beyond its strong local participation, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has continued to attract exhibitors from across Africa, affirming its position as a premier platform for cultural exchange and creative commerce. Their participation highlights the event’s contribution to promoting regional integration, facilitating cross-border collaboration, and creating sustainable market opportunities for African creative enterprises
Speaking on the impressive turnout recorded so far, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and patronage witnessed since the commencement of the fair.
“We are delighted by the overwhelming response from exhibitors, customers, visitors, and stakeholders. The turnout has been very encouraging and reflects the increasing appreciation for Adire and other indigenous creative products. We encourage more people to visit the fair before it closes on Sunday to support our exhibitors and experience the rich cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities on display,” he said.
Lawal noted that Ecobank expects approximately 30,000 attendees over the four-day event, reinforcing the fair’s position as one of the leading platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, entrepreneurship, and cultural tourism in Nigeria.
The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience remains part of Ecobank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, empowering local artisans, promoting cultural heritage, and creating market access opportunities for businesses across Nigeria and the wider African continent.