Ecobank launches second edition of Oja Oge marketplace, empowers SMEs
Left: Austen Osokpor, Head, Corporate Communications; Odjegba Aghogho O’tega, Regional Head, Apapa - Isolo; Tomilola Fetuga, Head, Brand Management and Events Marketing; Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaborations; Segun Anjorin, Corporate Banking, all of Ecobank Nigeria and Theophilus Olayanju, Master of Ceremony, at the ongoing Oja Oge by Ecobank Exhibition holding at Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos
Abdullateef Fowewe
Ecobank Nigeria has officially opened the second edition of its much-anticipated “Oja Oge by Ecobank,” a three-day marketplace celebrating fashion, beauty, and lifestyle businesses.
“Oja Oge” means “fashion market” in the Yoruba language.
The event, held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, features over 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest pan-African and Afro-trendy styles.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, described the fair as more than just a market.
She said, “Oja Oge by Ecobank is a one-stop marketplace for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle businesses. The event will offer premium entertainment and provide a platform for local vendors to showcase and sell their products to a wider audience. Participants will also have the chance to network and build relationships, gaining access to new markets.
“For us, as a Pan African bank, supporting small businesses in this way is a core part of our mission”.
Dailyeconomy observed that fair offers free entry and includes a variety of attractions such as Gameland for adults, a Kid Zone, beauty parlors, and live folk music performances, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
Odu further emphasised, “It’s not just about buying and selling; it’s an opportunity to experience the creativity and luxury of current fashion and lifestyle trends, alongside a variety of music, food, and entertainment.”
Running from April 18th to 20th, the event is expected to draw Nigerians from all walks of life, as well as Africans and non-Africans, including fashion enthusiasts eager to explore the vibrant offerings of African craftsmanship and innovation.
Ecobank Nigeria teamed up with top companies across the telecom, payments, airline, and FMCG sectors—including Airtel Nigeria, Flutterwave, Qatar Airways, and Maltina—to host the second edition of its flagship fashion pop-up event.
Odu further noted that Ecobank Nigeria is making significant strides to empower SMEs and creatives across Africa through its innovative Oja Oge pop-up marketplace initiative.
She emphasised the bank’s commitment to transforming financial institutions to better support SMEs, creatives, and the broader job market.
“As a banker institution, my intention is to change that financial institution, to improve financial integration across major markets,” she added.
Odu also noted the pan-African reach of Ecobank, explaining how the bank has expanded from five to ten countries in Sub-Saharan Africa through joint ventures, enabling local SMEs to gain global impact.
She remarked, “Africa is the last frontier market opportunity. Our solution is to get that local estimate global impact, and then change our margin of the country.”
She cited success stories of Nigerian designers gaining international attention and returning to participate in events like Oja Oge, which fosters local creativity and economic growth.
She stressed the importance of using local materials and creativity, saying, “We’ve seen a deliberate effort to really give less contemporary just to show you how we can use our local materials to make some future products.”
