By Esther Agbo
Ecobank Nigeria is set to break new ground in its efforts to stimulate Nigeria’s economic development with the launch of its first-ever Design & Build Expo.
The five-day event scheduled from November 27 to December 1, 2024, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will gather a diverse range of professionals, exhibitors, and innovators in architecture, construction, and interior design.
Themed “Building Nigeria Together,” the expo aims to drive conversations around modern trends, sustainability, and innovation across various industries, including real estate, household appliances, and engineering.
With more than 60 exhibitors already confirmed, the event is positioned as a significant platform for businesses to demonstrate cutting-edge products and solutions.
The expo will go beyond just showcasing materials, however, offering stakeholders in the design and building industries opportunities for strategic networking and collaboration. Attendees will experience hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and sessions aimed at encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in Nigeria’s evolving construction landscape.
Ecobank Nigeria’s Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations, Omoboye Odu, underscored the expo’s importance during the event’s announcement in Lagos.
“As a Pan-African bank, this expo aligns with our mission to contribute to the economic growth of the countries we operate in. It’s a unique opportunity for industry players to showcase their products, network, and promote the adoption of sustainable practices, emphasizing renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies,” Odu explained.
She emphasised the focus on promoting renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies, noting that the expo aligns with the bank’s vision of creating long-term value for key industries.
Moreover, the event presents an ideal platform for entrepreneurs, suppliers, and industry professionals to engage with potential clients and decision-makers. It’s designed to enhance brand visibility and foster market insights, providing attendees with exposure to the latest innovations in building technology and sustainable construction practices.
Ecobank Nigeria’s efforts in supporting economic growth extend beyond this expo. Through initiatives like the Adire Lagos Experience, the +234 Art Fair, Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship, the MySME Growth Series aimed at training and empowering over 1 million SME operators nationwide by the end of the year and Oja Oge 2024, the bank has solidified its role as a key player in boosting Nigeria’s SME sector.
According to Odu, the Design & Build Expo represents another significant step in the bank’s ongoing commitment to helping SMEs thrive, while contributing to the nation’s broader development goals.