FUNFAIR, EXCITEMENT AS THOUSANDS THRONG ECOBANK ADIRE LAGOS EXPERIENCE

Ecobank Are Promoting Adire To Support SMEs To Play In AfCFTA, Boost Tourism And Culture On The Continent…..

L-R: Former Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan; Former Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Ade Ayeyemi; Former Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Evelyn Oputu; Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal and President, Africa Fintech Network, Dr. Segun Aina, during the Ecobank Adire Experience in Lagos at the weekend.

Adeleke observed that the Banks support for adire goes beyond exhibition but supporting the producers to play in the international market. “Ecobank has a single market app which we have built. Our customers can onboard and on the app; they can advertise their products. This app is accessible to other Africans across the continent. So, this is the kind of support that we are looking at beyond providing the normal financial advisory services but connect entrepreneurs across the world.”

Mrs Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, said the exhibition is part of the bank’s contribution to boost the nation’s tourism, culture and the creative industry using adire as a key driver, adding that the bank was impressed with the turnout of high-profile exhibitors, vendors, dignitaries from different parts of the world.

According to her, “The bank is encouraged with the success of the maiden edition which took place last year. It is in line with our brand promise as a pan-African institution to promote culture and boost tourism on the continent. We are impressed with the patronage and interest shown by exhibitors and dignitaries from all walks of life.” “The 3-days event also featured a series of masterclasses as well as networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, shoppers and everyone interested in the making or trading of adire,” she said.

Cross section of exhibitors, shoppers, and vendors were full of praises for Ecobank, urging the Pan African bank to make it an annual event as promised.