Ecobank Nigeria is actively pursuing global growth opportunities for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) featured at its annual ‘Oja Oge’ marketplace.
This announcement was made on Friday by Omoboye Odu, Head of SME and Partnership at Ecobank Nigeria, during a press conference marking the opening of the fashion-centric marketplace.
The ‘Oja Oge’ Ecobank Pop-Up Marketplace, now in its second year, is a three-day exhibition focused on fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle, scheduled to take place from April 18 to 20, 2025.
The event will showcase prominent exhibitors, including Adidas, House of Tara, Winston Leather, Ava and George Children’s Clothing, Chenche Clothing, Lush Hair, and many others.
Odu emphasized Ecobank Nigeria’s commitment to being the SME-solution bank, stating, “This platform is designed for creatives in the fashion industry, encompassing everything from apparel to accessories.
Given the competitive landscape, we offer them an opportunity to present their products to a broader audience.”
She highlighted the bank’s mission: “Our goal is to ensure the success of these SMEs because when they thrive, we thrive.
We aim to elevate local SMEs to a global stage and positively reshape our country’s narrative.”
In addition to providing a platform for sales, Odu noted that Ecobank is actively implementing structures to support business sustainability. “We are educating entrepreneurs on how to distinguish their business from personal finances.
This includes establishing proper governance structures and ensuring that they maintain separate accounts for their businesses and personal expenses so we can effectively measure business performance,” she explained.
This year’s ‘Oja Oge’ will notably feature a strong focus on ethnic designs and local artistry. “We are intentionally leaning towards a more ethnic aesthetic this year.
The event’s hall setup was crafted by artisans from Kano, demonstrating how local materials like bamboo and raffia can be transformed into beautiful designs,” Odu added.
Austen Asokpor, Head of Corporate Communication at Ecobank, highlighted the long-term benefits for SMEs participating in the marketplace. “The SMEs here benefit year-round, receiving orders from various channels. In fact, after-sales often surpass the sales made during the exhibition, which is promising for their growth. We encourage them to participate so they can evolve into international brands.”
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He also mentioned the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, which facilitates connections among businesses across the continent, enabling them to reach a wider customer base.
