By Yemisi Suleiman

Having identified Adire as a key driver of tourism, culture, and the creative industry, Ecobank, the Pan African Bank will be sponsoring An Adire Pavilion at this year’s edition of the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) Billed to hold on October 8-9, at the Freemasons Hall London, the Adire Pavilion will showcase textile’s beauty and heritage through the craft of different Nigerian designers who will exhibit a wide range of handmade authentic Adire textiles.

In its continuing efforts to be a leading voice for Adire’s growth, Ecobank in recent years has partnered with some organizations and stakeholders in projecting the industry.  In June, Ecobank organized the ‘Adire Lagos Experience’, a first-of-its-kind event by any bank in the country.  The 3-day event not only featured artistic displays by exhibitionists but also attracted the attention of tasteful collectors. There were also a series of master classes on the fine art of Adire production. 

Delighted by the sponsorship, the Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi described Ecobank as a forward-thinking global bank.  “The decision to align itself with the vision of Africa Fashion Week London is groundbreaking.  Together we will bring Africa’s garment and textiles industry and connect them with the international market.  This is imperative to build a conducive business environment for emerging African fashion brands.”

Princess Ademiluyi noted that the sponsorship of the Africa Fashion Week London 2022 is the next in a long line of similar initiatives by the Pan African bank. She affirmed that as Europe’s largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent, the AFWL provides another opportunity for Ecobank to reaffirm its support for the Adire Industry, this time, on an international stage.

As Ecobank’s vision for Adire grows, working with critical stakeholders for events like AFWL, is a reflection of shared values and a commitment to creating a platform that showcases African, and Africa-inspired designers to a global market. True to its pan-African ideals, the bank will continue to lend the full scale of its experience and expertise to support these designers in building a sustainable business that is globally recognized whilst promoting social change in Africa.

Ultimately, in line with the bank’s brand promise as a Pan-African Institution that delivers value to all its stakeholders, sustainability-focused and strategic sponsorships like this are undertaken to curate experiences customized to peoples’ lifestyles whilst promoting the richness and diversity of African culture. Taken together, these core social initiatives represent the foundation that allows Ecobank to position itself as a leading financial brand that goes beyond banking, understands customers’ needs, and supports their lifestyles.

Ecobank is a significant provider of financial services in Nigeria and is home to over 300 indigenous tribes; Ecobank is distinguishing itself and reconfirming its pan-African orientation through its support for the growth of indigenous culture, tourism, and entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond.