Obasanjo advocates national drive to boost Adire industry at Ecobank Lagos Textile Fair
Nike Popoola
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the establishment of a structured framework to preserve and promote Adire textile production across Nigeria, urging for a need to create associations in different states and develop dedicated cultural and tourism hubs for the craft.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Friday at the ongoing fifth edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos. The four-day event, which runs from June 11 to 14, 2026, is being hosted by Ecobank Nigeria and has continued to position itself as one of Africa’s leading platforms for textile innovation, cultural exchange and creative enterprise.
The fair attracted more than 100 exhibitors and vendors from Nigeria and other African countries, reinforcing its continental appeal. International participants include Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation underscores the growing role of the event in fostering cross-border collaboration and expanding market access for African creatives.
Local exhibitors at the fair include Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and several others showcasing indigenous craftsmanship, innovation and contemporary African fashion.
Obasanjo, who was a special guest at the event, lamented the absence of a unified national structure for Adire producers despite its cultural and economic significance. He advocated the creation of national and state associations and a permanent exhibition hub, particularly suggesting Abeokuta as a potential centre for Adire preservation and tourism development.
In time past, an attempt to create strong Adire associations of Nigeria makers did not yield desired result, he noted. “We need something like that. It should be a national thing and not a regional thing,” he said. “How can we keep the tradition of how Adire is done in addition to education? It can be a source of tourism.”
He pledged support for any initiative from Ecobank aimed at institutionalising the craft, noting that structured development of Adire could boost cultural preservation and tourism revenues.
The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown over the years into a major platform for promoting indigenous textiles, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and celebrating African creativity. This year’s edition continues that tradition by blending fashion, culture, commerce and entertainment into a vibrant showcase of Africa’s creative economy.
