By OLADELE ENIOLA

Ecobank Nigeria has unveiled the fifth edition of the Adire Lagos Experience, its flagship cultural and creative industry showcase.

A statement by the bank, a subsidiary of Ecobank Group, on Thursday in Lagos, said the event would hold from June 11 to June 14 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre.

The 2026 edition with the theme, “Threads Across Borders”, is designed to celebrate the depth and global resonance of Adire as a uniquely Nigerian art form while positioning it within Africa’s broader textile and cultural narrative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Adire Lagos Experience, rooted in Nigeria’s rich heritage, serves as a platform for cross border cultural exchange, reinforcing Ecobank’s Pan-African vision through culture-led commerce.

NAN also reports that the Adire Lagos Experience remains part of Ecobank’s commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and promoting the creative economy across Africa.

The four-day event will feature over 100 vendors with participation largely dominated by Nigerian exhibitors, reflecting the country’s status as the hub of Adire production.

According to the organisers, about 10 per cent of the vendors will come from other African countries to showcase complementary textile expressions and foster knowledge exchange and partnerships.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Mrs Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, said the initiative maintains a balance between cultural authenticity and Pan-African inclusion.

“Adire is proudly Nigerian and this platform remains firmly anchored in celebrating our local artisans and creative enterprises.

“At the same time, Ecobank’s Pan African mandate allows us to thoughtfully open the space to creators from other African markets, encouraging collaboration, shared learning and trade connections that elevate African craftsmanship as a whole,” she said.

She said that the event would also feature indigenous cuisine, African music and cultural performances as well as curated networking and business engagement sessions.

Odu noted that the sessions would be designed to strengthen linkages across the Adire and broader creative value chain, including artisans, designers, merchants, buyers and cultural enthusiasts.

The bank also said that registration for prospective exhibitors had begun with selected applicants to receive complimentary exhibition booths as applications are expected to close on April 28. (NAN)