Ecobank Nigeria, as part of its commitment to facilitating the growth and expansion of Nigerian Fashion and Lifestyle SMES, is hosting the second edition of the Oja Oge Market fair in Lagos.
Ms. Omoboye Odu, the Head SME, Partnerships and Collaboration, Ecobank Nigeria, speaking on the fair, said “Oja Oge by Ecobank” is a one-stop marketplace for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle businesses.
‘’The fair offers premium entertainment and provides a platform for local vendors to showcase and sell their products to a broader audience.”
She added, “Ecobank understands the value small and medium enterprises bring to the economy, accounting for over 90% of jobs in the country and contributing 50% of the country’s gross domestic product.
Oja Oge is designed for the fashion space of the creative industry and aligns with the bank’s aspirations of addressing the business and socio-economic challenges in the African region.”
Ms. Odu noted that the three-day event held from Friday, April 18th to Sunday, April 20th, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will give the fashion and lifestyle businesses global exposure, as about 10,000 visitors are expected from various countries.
On the issues around intellectual property rights, which are critical for African businesses to compete globally, especially in the creative industry, she tasked African entrepreneurs with developing original concepts and designs.
The Ecobank executive added that the financial institution is also leading advocacy for the IP rights for creative industry businesses.
“We are also reinforcing the African culture and creating the enabler for a strategic hub that keys into the African Continental Free Trade Area, improving access for fashion and lifestyle businesses within the region.
‘’The fair will also feature gaming options (Gameland) for adults and (Kid Zone and Books by Omolara) for kids. Besides, there is a beauty parlour for women and, of course, different prizes to be won.”
The inaugural edition took place last year. The fair, which is free to attend, offers participants the chance to network, build relationships, and gain access to new markets.
It also aims to empower businesses, highlight their products, and promote African craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation.
